This myspace page is written for young people concerned about hepatitis C but parents, guardians, other carers and healthcare professionals may also find it of use.
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is one of the viruses which attacks the liver cells and can cause inflammation of the liver. Long-term damage to the liver can happen as a result of infection.
How quickly the inflammation develops will vary in each person. It seems to be affected by the age at which you become infected. Generally it appears that children and young people have a milder disease than adults.
Is it important to find out whether I have hepatitis C?
Yes. Because the infection can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver, it’s important that everyone who has the infection is seen regularly by a doctor or nurse with experience of caring for young people with hepatitis C.
Will I know if I have hepatitis C?
Not necessarily. You may feel well even though you have hepatitis C. Two symptoms that some young people have reported are mild to moderate tiredness and tummy pain.
Is there a test for hepatitis C?
Yes. Hepatitis C is diagnosed by blood tests.
Further information is available to download from the hepcfacts.org.uk website including:
Hepatitis C in young people — The Facts
Why should I think about hepatitis C?
How can I find out if I have hepatitis C?
I’m hepatitis C positive — what’s the next step?
Treatment for hepatitis C in young people
Living with hepatitis C — some thoughts for young people
My child has hepatitis C —some thoughts for parents and guardians
How can I find out if my baby has hepatitis C?
Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), which publishes this literature, has other leaflets which you might find helpful to read alongside this series. They include:
Guide to the liver
Taking liver disease into adulthood
Glossary of terms
Mi piacerebbe conoscere: We would like to hear from any young person who is worried about or would like to find out more about hepatitis C.
