Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. It may lead to serious liver damage and conditions such as its inflammation, failure, and even cancer. Therefore, knowing the causes and symptoms of hepatitis C is important for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Causes
Hepatitis C is a contagious disease and can easily spread from one person to another. Some common causes of the condition are

• Sharing Needles
  This is one of the most common causes of hepatitis C. Sharing the needles with an infected person transfers the virus to the body and leads to the condition.
• Using Non-sterile Tattoo Instruments
  Non-sterile tattoo needles and other instruments also increase the chances of hepatitis C. The risk factor is the same with unsterilized body piercing instruments.
• Blood Transfusion
  This used to be one of the most common ways through which the condition spreads. But nowadays, proper screening tests performed on the donated blood have almost eliminated this risk factor.
• Organ Donation
  Receiving a liver, kidney, pancreas, or any other organ from an infected person is yet another cause of hepatitis C. These days, the donors are screened properly to alleviate or eliminate the risk after an organ transplant.
• Reusing Medical Equipment
  Reusing syringes and needles in hospitals can lead to the condition. Improper sterilization of the medical equipment is also a common risk factor.
• Sharing Personal Care Products
  As hepatitis C is a contagious condition, sharing personal care products such as toothbrush, nail clippers, razors, and scissors with an infected person can cause the hepatitis C.
• During Pregnancy
  There have been cases when the infection was passed from mother to the unborn child. According to reports, 4 to 7 percent of children born to hepatitis-C-infected mothers are born with it.
• Unprotected Intercourse
  Unprotected sex with multiple partners or with someone who may be suffering from the condition is yet another common cause.

Symptoms
While some people with hepatitis C may not experience any symptoms, other may experience them soon after being infected. The common early symptoms of the condition are

• Fever and fatigue
• Stomach pain and poor appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the joints and muscles
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored bowel movements
• Dull and yellowish skin and eyes

While some people develop the hepatitis C symptoms within a week or two of getting the infection, others may experience them late. According to experts, it could take 6 months or even more than 10 years before an infected person becomes aware of the symptoms.

So, these were the common causes and symptoms of hepatitis C. If you experience any one or more of these for an extended period of time, talk to your doctor and get the necessary tests done.