Hepatitis C is an infectious inflammatory disease of the liver. The causative agent is a virus of the same name. As a rule, the disease develops slowly and without pronounced symptoms. That is why diagnosis and treatment may be untimely.
How are infected with hepatitis C
Infection with the hepatitis C virus occurs through the blood. Through the blood vessels, the virus enters the liver, where it penetrates inside the cells and multiplies. In addition, hepatitis C can be contracted sexually or from an infected mother.
Types of hepatitis C and their characteristics
Several types of hepatitis C can be distinguished.
Acute hepatitis C
In terms of symptoms, it is similar to an acute respiratory infection. In some cases, the course of the disease worsens and passes into a chronic form.
Chronic hepatitis C
This is a neglected stage of the disease, which is very dangerous for health. Symptoms – decrease in body weight, enlargement of the liver and others. Chronic hepatitis is also often confused with other diseases and not diagnosed in time.
Hepatitis C becomes chronic when the virus is in the blood for about a year after the acute period. The infection in the body can remain throughout life. The condition usually worsens over time due to scarring of the liver, development of liver failure and cirrhosis.
