Stages Of Hepatitis C

HCV infestation affects people differently; however, the following stages are evident in the majority of patients:

1) Incubation Period (Silent Period)

This is the silent period (asymptomatic) and comprises the time between exposure and the beginning of the symptoms. The average time for the incubation period is 45 days, but it can last from 14 to 80 days.

2) Acute Phase

Acute hepatitis C is a short-time illness that goes away on its own. The average time observed for the remission of the disease is six months (since the time the virus gained entry into the body).

3) Chronic Phase

Only lucky ones get the chance to be cleared of the virus in the acute phase as most of the infected patients (85%) move from acute to chronic stage (lasting more than six months). The chronic infection causes serious health problems and a prominent display of symptoms.

4) Cirrhosis

The inflammation caused by HCV has a negative impact on liver health. Over time, this inflamed tissue gets replaced by scar tissue. This lays the foundation for a disruptive condition known as liver cirrhosis.

5) Liver Cancer

Untreated and unmanaged liver cirrhosis eventually leads to the development of liver cancer.