Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by infection with the
hepatitis C virus. The liver becomes swollen and tender (inflamed) and may
develop permanent damage, such as scarring or liver cancer.
Initial symptoms of hepatitis C are mild. They include fatigue,
sore muscles, abdominal pain, and sometimes dark urine. Hepatitis C is
diagnosed with blood tests, but the disease usually goes unnoticed until years
later after liver damage develops.
Hepatitis C is spread through sharing needles, being exposed to
infected blood, or very rarely, having unprotected sex with an infected
partner.
Treatment for hepatitis C includes antiviral medications and
supportive therapy. A liver transplant sometimes is needed.
