Hepatitis C
Definition
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver.
Alternative Names
Non-A or non-B hepatitis
Support Groups
You can often ease the stress of illness by joining a support group of people who share common experiences and problems. See liver disease - resources.
Complications
- Chronic hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
Prevention
Avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible. Health care workers should follow precautions when handling blood and bodily fluids.
Do not inject illicit drugs, and especially do not share needles with anyone. Be careful when getting tattoos and body piercings.
Sexual transmission is low among stable, monogamous couples. A partner should be screened for hepatitis C. If the partner is negative, the current recommendations are to make no changes in sexual practices.
People who have sex outside of a monogamous relationship should practice safer sex behaviors to avoid hepatitis C as well as sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and hepatitis B.
Currently there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Review Date: 10/18/2009
Reviewed By: George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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