What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. The hepatitis C virus attacks the liver, a very important organ that helps the body fight infections, break down substances like food, alcohol and drugs, and more. The hepatitis C virus uses the liver cells to make copies of itself, killing those cells in the process and causing inflammation and scarring. If left untreated, hepatitis C causes injury to the liver over time, which can lead to liver disease, liver cancer and death. 

This section provides more information about hepatitis C, other types of hepatitis, how hepatitis C is transmitted, the signs and symptoms of an infection and more.