As the liver damage progresses, these symptoms may grow more severe. "The hepatitis C virus is linked to an increased risk of porphyria cutanea tarda, a condition that may cause a blistering rash, to cryoglobulinemia, which can cause a purplish rash (purpura) on…lower extremities, and may cause kidney damage" (Complications, 2009, The Mayo Clinic). Symptoms

Many patients have no specific symptoms and the finding of abnormal hepatic transaminase levels on routine testing is what often prompts specific testing for hepatitis C (O'Shea 2009). Blood tests or a liver biopsy to determine the severity of the illness are usually used by doctors. "If test results indicate that you have HCV, your doctor may measure the quantity of the virus in your blood (viral load) and evaluate the genetic makeup of the virus (genotype). There are six known HCV genotypes. Knowing which genotype you have will help your doctor determine the best course of treatment for you and how likely you are to respond to treatment" (Tests and diagnosis, 2009, The Mayo Clinic).

Prehospital interventions

Because hepatitis C can be spread through sexual contact, it is critical that the infected individual receive notice that he or she is a carrier as soon as possible, and work with doctors to take precautions regarding his or her sexual partners. Hepatitis...

Aggressive treatments for Hepatitis C can include drug treatment or liver transplants, but for some relatively asymptomatic patients, doctors may recommend abstaining from alcohol consumption to reduce the strain on the liver, avoiding liver-damaging medications such as acetaminophen, and constant monitoring (Treatment, 2009, The Mayo Clinic).
Works Cited

Complications. (2009). Hepatitis C The Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 22, 2009 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-c/DS00097/DSECTION=complications

Hepatitis C: An epidemic for anyone. (2009). Dartmouth Medical School. Retrieved April 22,

2009 at http://www.epidemic.org/theFacts/hepatitisC/anatomy/

O'Shea, Robert. (2009). Hepatitis C The Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved April 22, 2009 at http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/hepatology/hepatitis-C/#cesec2

Tests and diagnosis. (2009). Hepatitis C The Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 22, 2009 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-c/DS00097/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

Treatments. (2009). Hepatitis C The Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 22, 2009 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-c/DS00097/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs