About Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus. The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading known causes of liver disease and is the most common blood borne infection in the U.S. It is the common cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer as well as the most common reason for a liver transplant. There are more than 4 million people believed to be infected with HCV in the U.S.
Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily by direct contact with human blood and blood products. Symptoms of both acute and chronic HCV are easily confused with less serious illness, such as the flu. You can have HCV many years before you even know you have the virus.
If you have Hepatitis C and do not get medical treatment, you increase the risk of developing life-threatening liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure. Hepatitis C is a disease that should be taken seriously, which means following the exact treatment plan prescribed by your physician.
