What is Hepatitis?
“Hepatitis” is a general term for inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by things like heavy alcohol use, prescription medications, and other factors. Most commonly, hepatitis is caused by viruses, like hepatitis A, B, and C.
When someone first contracts hepatitis C, the virus travels to the liver, and causes inflammation. In some cases the immune system “clears” the virus within the first six months of being infected; however, most people develop long-term (chronic) hepatitis C.
For people with chronic hepatitis C, some may experience no liver-related complications, while others may eventually develop serious liver scarring, called cirrhosis. The more your liver scars, the less it can do, which can lead to health problems. In a few cases, people with cirrhosis may develop liver cancer or liver failure.