General Information About Hepatitis C
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a viral infection caused by the HCV virus that usually progresses insidiously for years, slowly destroying liver tissue and leading to fibrosis (stiffening) and cirrhosis.
There is a protective vaccine for Hepatitis B, but there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. Also, the likelihood of sexually transmitting Hepatitis C is much lower; it mostly passes through direct blood contact, and its chronicity rate is higher.
Blood transfusions performed especially before the 1990s, shared syringes, inadequately sterilized dental treatments, and hemodialysis units were the most common routes of transmission in the past. Today, because blood products are strictly screened, the risk of transmission is low.
Most patients feel no symptoms until liver failure or cirrhosis develops (which can take decades). In advanced stages, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), jaundice, and chronic fatigue are observed.
Blood is checked for Anti-HCV antibodies. If positive, an HCV-RNA (PCR) test is performed to prove the virus is actively present in the blood and to determine its genotype (strain).
Yes. Thanks to one of the greatest revolutions in the medical world, with the Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) pills used today, the Hepatitis C virus is completely cleared from the body (cured) with an over 95% success rate after 8-12 weeks of treatment.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
