Understanding Chronic Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

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What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. The virus can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis, ranging in severity from a mild illness to a serious, lifelong illness including liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Does acute hepatitis C become chronic?

Acute hepatitis C infection doesn't always become chronic. Some people clear the infection from their bodies after the acute phase. This is called spontaneous viral clearance. Antiviral therapy also helps clear acute hepatitis C. Get the latest health information from Mayo Clinic delivered to your inbox.

What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis C?

When there are symptoms in this phase, they may include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, fever and muscle aches. Long-term infection with the hepatitis C virus is called chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C usually has no symptoms for many years. Symptoms appear only after the virus damages the liver enough to cause them.

Who is considered a chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection?

The recommended definition for chronic HCV infection has therefore been expanded to include people who have detectable HCV RNA in plasma or whole blood and the absence of clinical features of acute hepatitis (Section 13).

What Is Chronic Hepatitis C

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5. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Hepatitis_C.aspx
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15664-hepatitis-c
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