Hepatitis C is the most serious form of hepatitis. This type of hepatitis
almost always leads to permanent liver damage. The reason is because many who have
hepatitis C are not diagnosed with the condition early. This infection presents
no symptoms in the initial stage. By the time a person begins to feel ill, the
infection has advanced and begun to cause irreversible liver damage.
Causes of Hepatitis C Similar to hepatitis B, hepatitis C
is a sexually transmitted disease. In order to become infected with this form
of hepatitis, a person must encounter the blood or body fluid of an infected
person. Thus, unclean needles used for drug injections, tattoos, and ear
piercings place a person at great risk for being infected with hepatitis C.
Although rare, it is possible for a mother to pass the infection to her newborn
child. The exact cause of hepatitis C is relatively new. Up until the early
1990’s, many became infected as the result of blood transfusions. However,
because of enhanced blood screening devices, the chance of becoming infected by
a blood donor have decreased. Those infected generally show signs of the
illness rather quickly. In most cases, symptoms appear within two weeks of
becoming infected.
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
In the beginning, those infected with hepatitis C may have no symptoms. Mild
symptoms that may occur include the usual such as jaundice, tiredness, loss of
appetite, nausea, and sore muscles. However, once the infection advances, those
infected may notice a worsening of their overall health. Symptoms of chronic
hepatitis C include: