Hepatitis C

What Is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is an infection caused by a virus which causes inflammation and scarring of the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the body; it has many functions, which include:

• The breakdown and use of foods by the body
• The creation of factors which make the blood clot
• The disposal of toxic substances from the body

Once about 90% of the liver is damaged these functions get disrupted and can adversely affect your health.

History of Hepatitis C

For many years a viral infection which could cause acute or chronic Hepatitis was recognised in people who had received transfusions of blood or blood products. This was called non-A non-B Hepatitis, or post-transfusion Hepatitis. In 1989 the Hepatitis C virus was discovered, and ways of testing for the virus were developed. We can now test people for the virus.

Hepatitis C infection is common. The number of people with Hepatitis C is thought to be between 0.1% and 1% of the population of the U.K.

What does Hepatitis C do?

When someone is infected with Hepatitis C, their liver will become inflamed. Most people don't notice any symptoms at this time; those who do may feel generally unwell, as though they have 'flu, with aches, tiredness and some sickness. A few may become jaundiced (i.e. have a yellow tinge to the whites of their eyes and skin) for a limited time.

As many people don't realise they have been infected with Hepatitis C, and mistake its symptoms for 'flu, it is often a shock when the infection is detected on a blood test.

Probably more than half of those infected with Hepatitis C will develop chronic liver disease (scarring of the liver), but many will remain healthy in spite of the fact that they have liver damage.

After many years, some may go on to develop cirrhosis of the liver, which can cause ill-health. There is also a small risk of liver cancer after cirrhosis has developed.

It is important to attend check-ups with your doctor, so that the infection and the health of the liver can be closely monitored.