Introduction

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a hepatitis C virus infection. You can become infected with the virus if it gets into your bloodstream. Many people with the disease in Germany are infected from sharing needles while using drugs. But hepatitis C can also be spread in other ways, such as during sex.
There are two types of the disease:
- Acute hepatitis C: The infection started no more than six months ago.
- Chronic hepatitis C: The infection has lasted for over six months. The effects can include severe long-term damage to the liver.
If the infection is detected and treated early on, it can clear up without causing complications.
Chronic hepatitis C can cause general symptoms such as tiredness, but can also be mentally distressing and have a major effect on quality of life. A transplant might be needed if the liver damage is severe.