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Our GI providers are experts in the diagnoses and treatment of viral hepatitis C and B.  

Hepatitis C

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a liver infection that spreads when someone comes in contact with blood from an infected person. The most common way to be infected with hepatitis C is from sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. 

For some people, hepatitis C can be a short-term illness, but most people infected have a long-term, chronic infection, which can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C Symptoms

People with chronic hepatitis C often have no symptoms at first. By the time symptoms do appear, the person may have advanced liver disease. (What are the symptoms?)

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The best prevention is to avoid behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injecting drugs. Getting tested for hepatitis C is important—treatments can cure most people with hepatitis C within 8-12 weeks. 

Our GI specialists coordinate care with the Infectious Disease team to treat Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus (HBV), is spread by blood, semen or other body fluids from a person infected with the virus. This can happen through sexual contact; sharing needles, syringes or other drug-injection equipment; or from mother to baby at birth. Hepatitis B is preventable with a vaccine.

Hepatitis B Symptoms

Not everyone infected with HBV has symptoms, but symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Jaundice
  • Nausea
  • Poor appetite
  • Stomach pain

For many people, hepatitis B is a short-term illness. For others, it can become a long-term, chronic infection that can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. Medical treatments are available for those with chronic infection. 

 

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