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What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease that is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV affects the liver, damaging the tissue and causing inflammation. Sometimes the body can clear itself of the virus. Unfortunately, in most cases, the infection becomes chronic. If left untreated, HCV can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, end-stage liver disease, and liver cancer. Hepatitis C is the leading cause for liver transplantation among adults in the United States.

Most people with HCV are not aware that they are infected, leaving them at risk for chronic liver disease. Unaware of their condition, HCV-infected people may unknowingly place others at risk for infection. It is estimated that nearly 4 million Americans have HCV.

Why is the Liver so important?
The liver is the largest one of the most important internal organs, taking part in almost every vital process of the body. This dark red, wedge-shaped organ is located behind the lower right part of your ribs. Maintaining a healthy liver is very important.

The Liver:

• Stores vitamins, sugars, fats, and other nutrients from he food you eat, and the releases them into your body as needed.
  
• Builds chemicals that your body needs to stay healthy. The liver takes simpler substances and turns them into protein to clot blood, make new cells, and create necessary chemical reactions inside cells.
• Removes waste products, including harmful bacteria, from your blood.
• Breaks down harmful substances, like alcohol and other toxic (poisonous) chemicals, and turns then into harmless chemicals that your body an handle.