It is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Hepatitis C is most often spread by exposure to infected blood, by sharing needles or works, and from blood products or transfusions received before 1992. The virus can also be spread by contact with other body fluids such as semen and menstrual blood.

• Drug users who share needles (syringes or works), even if you experimented only a few times several years ago
• Drug users who share straws for snorting
• People who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992
• Kidney dialysis patients
• People exposed to infected blood
• People who have unprotected sex (oral, anal or vaginal) with someone who is infected with the HCV virus

It may take months to years from the time of exposure until a person has an onset of symptoms.

• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Urine that is dark in color

• Do not share needles for injecting or straws for snorting drugs.
• Make sure anything used for piercing and/or tattooing is used only one time on only one person or is sterilized before using again.
• Do not use items that may have someone else's blood on them such as razors and toothbrushes.
• Use latex condoms (rubbers) every time you have sex.
• Those who have contact with blood and body fluids in their work environment should use standard precautions for prevention of transmission of any communicable disease.