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DEFINITION:
Hepatitis C is a viral, blood-borne liver disease, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although an acute (sudden onset) form of the disease exists, it is most often contracted and spread in its chronic (slow onset) form.

RISK FACTORS:
Behaviors and situations which increase the risk of getting hepatitis C include:
* Transfusion from a blood donor found to be HCV-positive.

* Sharing needles or other paraphernalia with an infected drug user.
* Tattoos or piercings using non-sterilized instruments.
* Healthcare workers stuck by an infected needle after drawing blood.
* Sharing toothbrushes, razors or other items, that may contain infected blood.

Although extremely rare, it is possible for HCV to be spread through normal, heterosexual contact. It is not possible to get hepatitis C through casual contact, such as kissing, coughing, touching, sneezing, or sharing dishes, glasses, and eating utensils.

SYMPTOMS:
While most people, in the early stages of the disease, have no symptoms, there are several common complaints:
* Flu-like symptoms may include mild fever, nausea, headaches and muscle aches, chills, and tiredness.
* Fatigue, lasting longer than a few days and not relieved by getting more sleep.
* Loss of appetite and abdominal pain, triggered by changes in the liver, are not unusual.

As the disease progresses, more serious problems can and do occur.
* Anemia occurs when the liver becomes unable to remove damaged, non-functioning red blood cells, leading to iron-poor blood.
* Ascites, a result of portal hypertension, is the collection of protein-filled fluids in the abdomen.
* Blood sugar levels are often elevated, due to a reduction in liver and pancreas functions.
* Bruising may occur as the liver becomes unable to process the proteins that initiate and maintain clotting.
* Cholestasis is a reduction or stoppage in bile flow from the liver (see Dark Urine, Jaundice).
* Cirrhosis, the development of fibrous scar tissue in the liver, is a serious complication of liver disease.
* Clotting problems develop when the liver cannot process the proteins that maintain clotting.
* Dark urine is a symptom of excess bilirubin being removed by the kidneys.
* Edema, (water retention or swelling), happens when the liver can't process the salt contained in the average diet.
* Hepatic Encephalopathy, reduced brain function, develops when toxins from the digestive process, accumulate in the bloodstream and the brain.
* Jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a sign of excess bilirubin

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