Chronic Viral Hepatitis

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.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C may include:

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

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.

• Learn more about Infectious Disease care for 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.