Hepatitis C: Symptom and Causes

Symptoms

• About 75% of people have no symptoms when they first acquire HCV infection. 
  
• Over time, people with chronic infection may begin to experience the effects of the persistent inflammation of the liver caused by the immune reaction to the virus.

• Weakness
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Weight loss
  
• Breast enlargement in men
  
• A rash on the palms
  
• Difficulty with the clotting of blood
  
• Spider-like blood vessels on the skin

Causes

• Most cases are caused by using contaminated needles or injecting equipment (spoons, syringes, filters, water for injection, etc.) to inject drugs (sharing needles).
  
• There is a risk of contracting the virus from sharing toothbrushes, razors, and other such items which may be contaminated with infected blood.
  
• Inhaling drugs like cocaine.
  
• Re-used equipment used for tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture, etc.
  
• Infected mother can pass on the infection to her baby.
  
• Infected person can pass on the virus whilst having sex.
  
• The virus is not passed on during normal social contact, such as holding hands, hugging, or sharing cups or crockery.