Viral hepatitis C, as its name implies, is caused by a virus. It is passed mainly through blood transfusions (before July 1992), sharing needles (and works), from mother to baby during pregnancy or during birth through the vagina; it is not easily transmitted sexually. Its incubation period is 2-25 weeks; the average is 7-9 weeks.
Signs & Symptoms
    Mild flu-like symptoms appear at first. Many infections are self-limiting and end in 8-10 weeks. In other cases, disease lasts (chronic) and is mainly characterized by yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, light stools, fever, rash, arthritis and fatigue.
    Viral hepatitis C is diagnosed by a physical examination plus laboratory examination of the blood by serological testing. No cure is available, however Interferon may improve liver function and reduce symptoms in some people.
    Complications include chronic infections with liver damage leading to cancer and cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, immune system disorder and death. Infants born to chronically infected mothers may become infected.
    Viral hepatitis C can be prevented: avoid sharing needles, razors and toothbrushes; use latex or polyurethane condoms and dams when having sex; screen pregnant women; and screen blood/organ/tissue donors.
    No vaccine is available to prevent infection.