STD Info » Hepatitis C

Overview

What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus. When first infected, a person can develop an “acute” infection which can range in severity from a very mild illness with little or no symptoms to a serious condition requiring hospitalization. The two types of Hepatitis C infections are:

• Acute Hepatitis C is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis C virus. For reasons that are not known, 15%-25% of people “clear” the virus without treatment. Approximately 75%-85% of people who become infected with the Hepatitis C virus develop “chronic” or lifelong infection.
• Chronic Hepatitis C is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis C virus remains in a person’s body. Over time, it can lead to serious liver problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer

How common is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common chronic blood borne infection in the United States; Current approximate levels of chronically are 3.2 million.  Most are unaware of their infection. Each year, about 17,000 new Americans become infected with Hepatitis C.  Approximately 12,000 people die every year from Hepatitis C-related liver disease.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?
Many people with Hepatitis C do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. Even though a person has no symptoms, the virus can still be detected in the blood.
If symptoms occur with acute infection, they can appear anytime from 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure. Symptoms of chronic Hepatitis C can take up to 30 years to develop, although damage to the liver can be silently occurring. When symptoms do appear, they often are a sign of advanced liver disease. Symptoms for both acute and chronic Hepatitis C can include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice.

Risks & Complications

What happens if Hepatitis C is left untreated?
People experience hepatitis C symptoms in different ways. Some will have several symptoms while others just feel fine. Symptoms can seem to come and go, or be longer lasting. And it’s also possible to have severe symptoms but no liver damage.

It’s very important to point out that very few people with hepatitis C have all symptoms. Also, just because you have one or more of these symptoms it does not mean that you have the virus. The only way to know for sure whether or not have Hepatitis C Virus is to get tested.

Testing

How do I know if I have hepatitis C?
Stress Free STD testing tests for Hepatitis C, The Hepatitis C Surface Antibody Test (Anti-HCV) (link to test) one of our professional lab technicians will take a small blood sample.  The screening test looks for “antibodies” for hepatitis C, antibodies are chemicals released in the bloodstream when the person first becomes infected. The test is offered in our Stress Free 8 Panel Test and individual in our Hepatitis C Test

Treatment

Is there treatment for Hepatitis C?
Once diagnosed and tested for the Hepatitis C Test, for many, treatment can be successful and results in the virus no longer being detected.  Since acute Hepatitis C rarely causes symptoms, it often goes undiagnosed and therefore untreated. When it is diagnosed, doctors recommend rest, adequate nutrition, fluids, and anti-viral medications. People with chronic Hepatitis C should be monitored regularly for signs of liver disease. Even though a person may not have symptoms or feel sick, damage to the liver can still occur. Get Tested now and take control of your health.