Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis. The virus is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, such as through sharing needles or getting a tattoo with contaminated equipment. Hepatitis C causes inflammation and damage to the liver, eventually leading to scarring and cirrhosis.
Hepatitis C often has no symptoms in its early stages. Many infected people do not realize they have the virus until they develop serious liver damage. That is why it is crucial for people who are at risk for Hepatitis C to get tested for the virus regularly. As the disease progresses, people may experience fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
There is no cure for hepatitis C, but treatment can help to manage the virus and slow the progression of the disease. The most common treatment for hepatitis C is an antiviral medication. This medication can help to clear the virus from your body and improve liver function. In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary. In addition, people with hepatitis C are at a higher risk for developing liver cirrhosis if they have a history of alcohol abuse or other liver diseases.
