Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. In 2004 there were an estimated 8,000 cases in England and Wales. Early stage hepatitis C is known as 'acute' hepatitis C. Later stage and more serious hepatitis C is known as 'chronic'.
9 out of 10 people with acute hepatitis C probably won't show any symptoms at all. The 1 in 10 people who do show symptoms, tend to suffer nausea, aching muscles and joints, loss of appetite, a slight fever and yellow eyes and skin caused by jaundice, any time from 1-6 months after infection. This acute stage lasts from 2-8 weeks.
Chronic hepatitis C sets in for about 80% of people who have acute hepatitis C. The symptoms of chronic hepatitis C include fatigue and tenderness below the right-hand ribs. Over the long term, chronic hepatitis C can cause serious liver damage, including liver failure.
It is very rare for hepatitis C to spread through sex. In theory it can be caught through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex but the chances of this happening appear to be small.
The most common way to catch hepatitis C is through sharing intravenous needles.
To test for hepatitis C doctors take a blood test. If you suffer chronic hepatitis C, a doctor may want to take a tissue sample from your liver to measure the extent of existing liver damage.
There are treatments for hepatitis C that can clear the virus, but they don't work for everyone.