Pediatric Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is the least common type of hepatitis found in children. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C.
What is Pediatric Hepatitis C?
Pediatric hepatitis C a virus that causes a child’s liver tissue to swell and become inflamed. It is passed by coming into contact with the blood of an infected person.
What are the different types of Pediatric Hepatitis C?
Acute (sudden)
Children with acute hepatitis C can typically fight off the virus without lasting health problems. If the child doesn’t clear the virus after six months, it becomes chronic.
Chronic (ongoing)
Children with chronic hepatitis C have an active infection that they have not cleared after six months and often do not show symptoms. Hepatitis C can cause advanced liver damage throughout the child’s life.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Hepatitis C?
Children with hepatitis C can develop symptoms four to 12 weeks after they are infected with the virus. Symptoms can include:
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fever
Pain above liver (upper right abdomen)
Pale colored stools
Urine that is dark in color
What are the causes of Pediatric Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is caused by coming into contact with the blood of an infected person via:
Blood-to-blood contact
Mother-to-child via birth
Blood transfusions
Sharing or being stuck by needles
Unprotected sex
Sharing toothbrushes and nail clippers
Pediatric Hepatitis C Doctors and Providers
