Care for Hepatitis C at University of Colorado Hospital
Why Choose Treatment for Hepatitis C at University of Colorado Hospital?
The Infectious Disease Group Practice at University of Colorado Hospital is nationally recognized. Our doctors are board-certified and conduct groundbreaking research. In addition, our multidisciplinary care team has experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of infectious diseases, including Hepatitis C. And we offer patients access to the latest treatments.
What is the Hepatitis C Virus?
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a type of liver disease. It is most commonly spread through contact with infected blood. You can also get HCV through sex with an infected person, and in some cases it passes from mother to baby in childbirth. For many people, it takes years to develop symptoms after you’ve been infected with the virus. At first, the liver can become inflamed. This is called acute hepatitis C. If the inflammation continues, it becomes chronic hepatitis C. Symptoms of acute or chronic hepatitis C can include:
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
Nearly 4 million Americans have been infected with hepatitis C virus. Of those, about 2.7 million have chronic HCV. Over time, the infection can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure. In serious cases, a liver transplant may be necessary. There are medications available for HCV. However, they don’t help everyone.