Hepatitis C is a viral infection that is often transmitted through infected blood among other causes. This can lead to serious liver damage that is irreparable in most cases. To prevent the worsening of the infection and to ensure that timely treatment is delivered, knowing about the causes and symptoms of hepatitis C is critical. Here are the major causes and symptoms of hepatitis C.

1. Causes
This liver infection is caused by a virus through the transmission of contaminated blood in various ways.

• Infected needles are the easiest ways to transmit these diseases. This is often known to be one of the main reasons why this infection is common in drug abusers in several regions. There is the problem of shared needles that can carry the infected blood and, therefore, spread the infection.
• Unless there is a stringent screening of donated blood in the blood banks, this infection can easily spread. Blood transfusion is an easy and quick way in which the virus spreads.
• Like medical needles and those used for injecting medications, the other common medium could be tattoo needles. If these are not sterilized properly, one can easily get a hepatitis-C infection.
• Even though the above-mentioned causes are the most common ways in which the infection is known to travel, it could also come from unhygienic sharing of razors and a variety of other personal care supplies.

2. Symptoms
Getting to know the causes and symptoms of hepatitis C can also be useful in the differentiation of this infection from the other types of hepatitis diseases.

• Acute Hep C infection
  This is when the infection is still in its early stage. Most of the designated medications are the most effective when taken at this stage.
  • The infection triggers a mild fever.
  • This fever can also lead to a feeling of tiredness. In some people, it extends to become prolonged exhaustion.
  • There could be mild to moderate pain in the abdomen region. This is sometimes accompanied by a change in appetite. Besides not feeling hungry, some patients feel nauseous and may vomit after eating food.
  • Urine and stool color changes are also common in acute infection.
  • There could also be secondary infections like jaundice in some cases.
• Chronic Hep C infection
  Not all cases turn into a chronic infection but these are the most difficult to treat.
  • Bleeding and bruising easily
  • Severe jaundice
  • Frequent rashes and hives
  • Changes in the skin including itchiness
  • Swelling in the legs
  • Drowsiness

After studying the causes and symptoms of hepatitis C, one can easily opt for the most appropriate treatment for this condition. This helps in preventing the viral infection from causing serious damage to the healthy liver. There have been a lot of new developments in the medication, and new treatment options are available for this infection.