• Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.  Hepatitis C is a specific type of hepatitis caused by the Hepatitis C virus, and is usually transmitted by blood products, but rarely from sexual activity (unlike Hepatitis B).  Hepatitis C can cause an acute infection or a chronic (persistent) one.
  

• First phase (lasts 2- 3 weeks):

1. May have none
   
2. Fatigue
   
3. Yellow skin or eyes may be present

• Liver tenderness
  
• Spleen tenderness
  
• Elevated AST, ALT, and total Bilirubin
  
• Hepatitis C antibody (HCV) testing to confirm diagnosis
  
• Liver biopsy to diagnose chronic forms
• Possible jaundiced skin or eyes

• Homosexuals
  
• Intravenous drug abusers
  
• Medical professionals
  
• Hemodialysis workers

• Acute hepatitis:

- Alpha-Interferon plus Ribavirin

• Infection by a delta agent.  This is a secondary agent on top of the infection with Hepatitis C.  It can make the infection much more severe.  Diagnosis is made by checking for anti-HDV in blood.
  
• Hepatocellular (liver) cancer -- persons who have been infected with Hepatitis C, are at much higher risk of developing liver cancer
  
• Liver Cirrhosis
  

• Universal blood precautions
  
• Blood products are now carefully screened in the United States.
  
• Condoms may reduce or eliminate the chance of contracting Hepatitis C from sexual relations.
  

• Mononucleosis
  
• Hepatitis A
  
• Hepatitis B
  
• Cytomegalovirus
  
• Q Fever
  
• Drug-induced Liver Disease
  
• Secondary Syphilis
  
• Cholecystitis
  
• Alcoholic Hepatitis
  
• Autoimmune Hepatitis