Hepatitis C: What You Need To Know

Hepatitis C — what is it?

“Hepatitis” refers to inflammation of the liver—and may be caused by various things, including viruses, alcohol, or drugs. The most common cause, however, is viral hepatitis—of which there are several types: hepatitis A, B, and C, all of which can cause long-term damage to the liver. Hepatitis C is a contagious disease of the liver that can range in severity from a mild illness lasting just a few weeks (acute infection) to a serious, lifelong illness (chronic disease) that attacks the liver. Hepatitis C results from an infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV)—spread primarily via contact with the blood of an infected person.