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Hepatitis Basics

Hepatitis Resources

  • Highlights
    Most people who have chronic Hepatitis C for many decades will develop cirrhosis, according to a 2005 study. See what you can do to prevent cirrhosis.  The answers may not be what you expected.
  • Hepatitis
    Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viruses, medications, or toxic agents. Learn more about its symptoms, causes and treatment.
  • Viral Hepatitis
    What's the first thing you think of when you hear the expression "Bottom-feeder?" Lawyers? What about oysters? Raw oysters are infamous for being a source for Hepatitis A virus. This is because oysters and other mollusks often live in areas where sewage settles as it runs into the sea from city pipes.
Managing Hepatitis C

A new drug for hepatitis C proves to be just what patients who have failed other treatments have been waiting for.

Featured Animation

Hepatitis CThe liver is a large reddish-brown glandular organ located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity. It secretes bile and performs several important functions.The Hepatitis C virus is a blood-borne pathogen that primarily affects the liver.Hepatitis C virus contains RNA (Ribo Nucleic Acid) as the genetic material in its core which is surrounded by a fatty envelope.In an infected person, the virus enters the body, circulates in the blood stream, and attaches to liver cells. Once attached, the virus releases the RNA into the healthy cells.The viral RNA then replicates itself hundreds or thousands of times, making genetic material required to produce new viruses.These new viruses in turn infect other liver cells.Eventually this process shuts down most of the normal functions of the liver cell and damages it.Symptoms of HepatitisJaundiceMild feverMuscle and joint achesNauseaVomitingLoss of appetiteAbdominal painHepatitis infection may continue for years, eventually resulting in scarring of the liver tissue called cirrhosis.Hepatitis infection can also result in liver cancer in the later stages.