Hepatitis C (HCV) is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it can reside in your body for years, quietly damaging your liver while showing little to no symptoms. This stealthy virus affects millions of people worldwide, and alarmingly, many are unaware they are even infected. Could you be one of them?
The Silent Killer: Could Hepatitis C Be Hiding in Your Body?
What Is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that targets the liver, causing inflammation and damage over time. It is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, with common causes including:
Sharing needles or syringes.
Receiving a blood transfusion before 1992.
Non-sterile tattoo or piercing equipment.
Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes.
Hepatitis C progresses in two stages: an acute phase, which lasts up to six months, and a chronic phase, which can persist for decades. The chronic stage is where the most damage occurs, often without warning signs until it's too late.
AI-Assisted Content Disclaimer
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by a human for accuracy and clarity.