What is Hepatitis C?

Hepat means liver, titis means inflammation (swelling or scarring). Hepatitis C (or, 'HCV') is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C was formally identified in 1989, but has been around much longer.

Fun Fact: Hepatitis C used to be known as 'Non-A', or 'Non-B'.

What does the liver do?

The liver is the largest organ in the body; it’s dark red, wedged-shaped, it weighs 3-4 pounds and is located on the right side of your body. You cannot live without your liver; it works 24 hours a day to remove toxins and poisons that enter the body. The liver helps to digest food and it stores vitamins and minerals.