Word parts
What it means
A viral liver infection. It spreads mostly by sharing needles to inject drugs, and less often through needlestick injuries, unscreened blood, unsterile tattooing, birth or sex. Many people have no symptoms for years while the virus slowly scars the liver, leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer. There is no vaccine, but antiviral pills taken for about 8 to 12 weeks cure most people.
For the nurse
Use standard precautions. Screening is advised at least once for adults, and in each pregnancy. Teach not to share needles, razors or toothbrushes, and to avoid alcohol to protect the liver.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | HCV (hepatitis C virus) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | hepatitis C |
| Also written | hepatitis C virus, HCV, hep C |
Related terms
-itis
A word ending that means inflammation.
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
jaundice
Yellow color of the skin, the whites of the eyes and other tissues from too much bilirubin in the blood.
transmission
The passing of an infection from one person, animal or object to another.