What are the harmful effects of hepatitis C?

Sep 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Hepatitis C usually refers to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In general, the risks associated with hepatitis C include damage to liver function, development of chronic liver disease, increased risk of liver cancer, occurrence of extrahepatic complications, and transmission to others. It is recommended that individuals infected with hepatitis C undergo timely, standardized treatment to control viral replication and delay disease progression.

Hepatitis C usually refers to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Generally speaking, the main harmful effects of HCV infection include damage to liver function, development of chronic liver disease, increased risk of liver cancer, occurrence of extrahepatic complications, and transmission to others. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Damage to liver function: The hepatitis C virus continuously attacks liver cells, destroying the normal structure of the liver and causing liver cell inflammation and necrosis. In the early stages, abnormal liver function indicators may appear, such as elevated transaminase levels. As the disease progresses, functions such as liver metabolism and detoxification will gradually decline.

2. Development of chronic liver disease: Most patients with hepatitis C tend to develop chronic hepatitis after infection, with the disease course lasting for several years or even decades. Long-term chronic inflammation leads to increased fibrous tissue in the liver, progressing gradually to liver fibrosis, and further developing into cirrhosis.

3. Increased risk of liver cancer: Patients with chronic hepatitis C are constantly stimulated by the virus, leading to repeated damage and repair of liver cells, which may result in genetic mutations and increase the probability of developing primary liver cancer. The risk of liver cancer increases especially after progression to cirrhosis.

4. Development of extrahepatic complications: Hepatitis C not only damages the liver but may also cause various extrahepatic diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and other autoimmune diseases, as well as peripheral neuropathy and cutaneous vasculitis.

5. Transmission to others: Hepatitis C is contagious and mainly spreads through blood, such as sharing syringes contaminated with the virus or blood transfusions without prior screening. It can also be transmitted to others through sexual contact or mother-to-child transmission.

It is recommended that after infection with hepatitis C, timely standardized treatment should be conducted to control viral replication and delay disease progression. At the same time, personal protection should be taken to avoid transmission to others. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding alcohol consumption and excessive fatigue, reducing the burden on the liver, and protecting liver health are also important.

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What is liver disease?

Liver disease refers to pathological changes occurring in the liver, including various types such as hepatitis B, hepatitis A, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, alcoholic liver disease, and others. It is a common and highly harmful disease. In daily life, to prevent the occurrence of liver disease, timely vaccination against hepatitis B should be administered to reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus infection.

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Can patients with hepatitis C live with their family members?

Hepatitis C, also known as hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, is primarily transmitted through blood, semen, and breast milk. It is not easily transmitted through daily contact such as sharing meals. Therefore, patients can live with their family members. However, to avoid cross-infection, it is advisable to avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, to prevent contact with the patient's blood. At the same time, proper daily care should be taken to reduce the risk of infection.

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Is the cost of hepatitis C treatment expensive?

In general, hepatitis C refers to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The cost of treating hepatitis C mainly depends on the treatment plan and the severity of the condition. If a traditional treatment plan is used and the condition is relatively mild, the treatment cost is usually not very high. However, if a new treatment plan is required or the condition is more severe, the treatment cost may be higher.

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What are the early symptoms of hepatitis C?

In general, hepatitis C refers to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Early symptoms of hepatitis C include fatigue, jaundice, changes in urine color, indigestion, and pain in the liver area. It is advisable to quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain sufficient sleep. These healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the burden on the liver and promote liver health.