Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that can ultimately cause massive liver damage. The Hepatitis C virus (or HCV) causes the infection. The HCV virus has a few symptoms that distinguish it from other infections. There are different variations of the HCV, but the most common is the type 1 HCV, which will determine the course of treatment. HCV infection is contracted mainly via contaminated blood. Individuals are exposed to the hep C virus in these cases: During birth: the virus is passed along from the mother to the child. Sexual intercourse: In rare cases, hep C may be contracted during sex. Sharing infected needles: In cases of drug use, or getting tattoos and body piercings with unclean equipment. Sharing personal items: such as toothbrushes, nail cutters or razor blades. Telltale symptoms of hep C infection include: 1. Jaundice Patients infected with HCV may experience jaundice, in which the whites of the eyes and skin turn yellow in color. The urine may also present in a dark yellow or rusty color. 2. Clay-colored stool Bowel movements may be affected by hep C, as a result of insufficient bile from the liver or a blockage in the bile duct of the liver.