-> Hepatitis C is often described as a silent epidemic because people infected with hepatitis C usually show no symptoms, although they can still be infected and transmit the virus to others. It is estimated that only 25% of hepatitis C cases have been diagnosed. When symptoms are present they can include fatigue, flu-like symptoms, muscle and joint pain and, rarely, jaundice.
-> The incubation period (the period of time between initial exposure and the development of symptoms) of hepatitis C is 2- 26 weeks.
-> Hepatitis C infection is characterized by inflammation and/or swelling of the liver and may lead to progressive liver disease resulting in cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. The most common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and nausea.
-> The most common transmission routes are sharing infected used needles and drug preparation tools, and receiving blood or blood products . Sexual transmission is uncommon between stable monogamous sexual partners. Mother to child transmission occurs less than 5% of the time. Less common but possible transmission routes include tattooing, piercing and sharing during nasal cocaine/crank use.
-> For about 1 in 10 people with hepatitis C, it is not known how they became infected.
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