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Life Cycle of Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C is a liver condition characterized by inflammation of the liver. The outcome and potential damage of this disease is contingent on the timing of its detection, early treatment, and the lifestyle of the patient. Thus, the progression (or remission) of hepatitis C depends greatly on the patient's choices.

  1. Contraction

    • Hepatitis C disease is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is contracted by blood to blood contact with an infected person. The American Liver Foundation cites the most common cause of HCV transmission as needle-sharing between drug users.

    Diagnosis and Early Stage

    • Blood tests determine HVC presence. In hepatitis C's early stage, patients are typically unaware of the virus, because there are no detectable symptoms within the first six months. Although the blood tests will show elevated levels of liver enzymes (a sign of liver impairment), early detection and treatment can prevent serious liver damage.

    Acute Hepatitis C

    • Acute means short-term. The ALF reports that as of 2010, 15 to 40 percent of patients who contract HVC are able to fight off the virus within six months with proper treatment and, of course, abstinence of illegal drugs and alcohol. Antiviral medications for hepatitis C may cause flu-like symptoms, among other side effects.

    Chronic Hepatitis C

    • If HVC is not detected and/or removed from the body after six months, the virus progresses into chronic (long-term) hepatitis C. Liver inflammation and damage progresses, and the liver loses its ability to perform its functions. Treatment options are limited.

    Liver Dysfunction

    • As chronic HVC continues to attack and weaken the liver, the patient may experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, fever, skin inflammation and rashes, yellow skin (jaundice), fluid retention, weakening of the immune system, and mood swings.

    Cirrhosis

    • Chronic hepatitis C patients run the risk of cirrhosis, a severe liver disease that can be fatal without a liver transplant. Alcohol abuse combined with HVC poses a dangerously high risk for cirrhosis end-stage liver disease.

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