what is hep c

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It can be both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) and can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood, which can happen through sharing needles or syringes, or from unsafe medical procedures such as blood transfusions with unscreened blood products. Symptoms of hepatitis C can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) . However, many people with hepatitis C dont know they have it because symptoms can take decades to appear. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults ages 18 to 79 years be screened for hepatitis C, even those who dont have symptoms or known liver disease. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but it can be treated with antiviral medications. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious liver damage and improve long-term health.