For this blog assignment I will be researching and writing about Hepatitis C. I am interested in the disease because of my experience working with patients in the hospital with Hepatitis C and because I have personally known individuals with the disease. I would like to learn more about the pathophysiology, symptoms, treatment, and overall nursing care for individuals with Hepatitis C. Over the course of this quarter I will be posting weekly blog entries about the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, signs and symptoms, treatment options, and nursing care for Hepatitis C.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and can be caused by a range of factors including viral and bacterial infection, certain medications, and excessive alcohol use. I will be specifically writing about Hepatitis C, caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). You may have heard about Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, which are caused by the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B viruses, respectfully. Hepatitis C is a contagious disease affecting the liver that can be either acute or a chronic life-long condition. Please continue to visit my blog for more detailed information.
Reference:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hepatitis C Information for the Public. http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm. March 30, 2015.
