Hi, How does Hep C affect the body? Is there any vaccine for this?

Hep C is caused by blood to blood infection with an affected person. According the wikipedia - Although early medical intervention is helpful, people with HCV infection often experience mild symptoms, and consequently do not seek treatment. An estimated 150-200 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C. Those with a history of intravenous drug use, nasally inhaled drug usage, tattoos, or who have been exposed to blood via unsafe sex or social practices are increased risk for this disease. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplant in the United States.

Symptoms of acute hepatitis C infection include decreased appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, itching, and flu-like symptoms.

There are no vaccines for Hep C.

Thanks for the information, I was asking because I have a relative who contracted Hep C after a surgery, possibly during the surgery. That was years ago, recently he was very ill with fever, and infection in one lung. The doctors said it was due to Hep C. I was under the impression that it mainly affected the liver.

Hi Nansen - I am really sorry to hear this. In fact Hep C is really something to worry about. I do hope your uncle gets better. One of my cousins developed this ailment and he had to undergo liver transplant surgery. Please do take constant tests to assess the damage and if inevitable I suggest your uncle should go in for a liver transplant surgery.

Hi,
I am 30 years old male - recently I have started feeling tired and exhausted for no reason – I have lost weight also ….i had seen a doctor….. he is not able to find the cause of my problem…..now I came across this forum …..after reading this post I feel that I might have been infected with Hep C … I had a tattoo done 2 years back – that could have lead to an infection…….. What test should I do to confirm my doubt… ….