• What does it mean when I am chronically infected with hepatitis C?
• When do I need treatment?
• What about alternative treatments?

Chronic viral hepatitis infection means that the body's immune system hasn't been able to get rid of the the infection in the first 6-12 months. The immune system strikes a balance with the virus where there is some control over the virus while trying not to do too much damage to the liver. There are usually no symptoms.

We do not feel that there is such a thing as a "inactive disease". All chronically infected people are at risk for complications of hepatitis C, although some are at higher risk than others. Long term liver damage can lead to scarring, which is called cirrhosis if it is extensive. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure and also puts you at greater risk of developing liver cancer. It usually takes at least 20-30 years of chronic infection (without symptoms) before you get a lot of scar in the liver, or cirrhosis.