How could I get hepatitis C?
You could get hepatitis C through contact with an infected person’s blood. This contact could occur by

• Being born to a mother with hepatitis C
• Getting an accidental stick with a needle that was used on an infected person
• Having unprotected sex with an infected person
• Having contact with blood or open sores of an infected person
• Sharing drug needles or other drug materials with an infected person
• Being tattooed or pierced with unsterilized tools that were used on an infected person
• Using an infected person’s razor, toothbrush, or nail clippers

You cannot get hepatitis C from:

• Shaking hands or holding hands with an infected person
• Being coughed or sneezed on by an infected person
• Hugging an infected person
• Sitting next to an infected person
• Sharing spoons, forks, and other eating utensils
• Drinking water or eating food

A baby cannot get hepatitis C from breast milk.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
Most people do not have any symptoms until the hepatitis C virus causes liver damage, which can take 10 or more years to happen. Others may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Feeling tired
• Muscle soreness
• Upset stomach
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dark-yellow urine
• Light-colored stools
• Yellowish eyes and skin, called jaundice

When symptoms of hepatitis C occur, they can begin 1 to 3 months after coming into contact with the virus. See a doctor right away if you or a child in your care has symptoms of hepatitis C.

What is acute hepatitis C?
Acute hepatitis C is a short-term infection with the hepatitis C virus. Symptoms can last up to 6 months. The infection sometimes clears up because your body is able to fight off the infection and get rid of the virus.

What is chronic hepatitis C?
Chronic hepatitis C is a long-lasting infection with the hepatitis C virus. Chronic hepatitis C occurs when the body can’t get rid of the hepatitis C virus. Most hepatitis C infections become chronic.

Without treatment, chronic hepatitis C can cause liver cancer or severe liver damage that leads to liver failure. Liver failure occurs when the liver stops working properly.

How is hepatitis C diagnosed?
A blood test will show if you have hepatitis C.  Your doctor may suggest getting a liver biopsy if chronic hepatitis C is suspected.

How is hepatitis C treated?
Hepatitis C is usually not treated unless it becomes chronic. Chronic hepatitis C is treated with medicines that slow or stop the virus from damaging the liver. Your doctor will closely watch your symptoms and schedule regular blood tests to make sure the treatment is working.

Medicines for Chronic Hepatitis C
Chronic hepatitis C is most often treated with a medicine combination that attacks the hepatitis C virus. Treatment may last from 24 to 48 weeks. Today, newer treatments with medicine for chronic hepatitis C are appearing quickly. Talk with Dr. Jones if you have questions about treatment and before taking other prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines.

Liver Transplant
A liver transplant may be necessary if chronic hepatitis C causes severe liver damage that leads to liver failure. Symptoms of severe liver damage include the symptoms of hepatitis C and

• Generalized itching
• A longer than usual amount of time for bleeding to stop
• Easy bruising
• Swollen stomach or ankles
• Spiderlike blood vessels, called spider angiomas, that develop on the skin

Testing for Liver Cancer
Having hepatitis C increases your risk for liver cancer, so your doctor may suggest an ultrasound test of the liver every 6 to 12 months. Finding cancer early makes it more treatable.

How can I avoid getting hepatitis C?
You can protect yourself and others from getting hepatitis C if you

• Do not share drug needles and other drug materials
• Do not donate blood or blood products
• Wear gloves if you have to touch another person’s blood or open sores
• Do not share or borrow a toothbrush, razor, or nail clippers
• Make sure any tattoos or body piercings you get are done with sterile tools
• Tell your doctor and your dentist if you have hepatitis C
• Use a condom during sex

A vaccine for hepatitis C does not yet exist.

What should I do if I think I have been in contact with the hepatitis C virus?
See your doctor right away if you think you have been in contact with the hepatitis C virus. Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C can help prevent liver damage.

Eating, Diet, and Nutrition
If you have chronic hepatitis C, you should do things to take care of yourself, including eating a healthy diet. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can harm the liver. Talk with your doctor before taking vitamins and other