• Infection caused by the hepatitis C virus of less than 6 months duration
• Affects the liver
• Symptoms may include yellow coloring of the skin and eyes, tiredness, upset stomach and vomiting, dark urine and right upper abdominal pain
• Most commonly spread by contact with infected blood and blood products such as through shared needles, accidental needle sticks or blood transfusions
• Can also be spread from mother to infant during childbirth
• Can occur at any age but infants are at highest risk to develop long-term disease
• Affects males and females
• May be mild without symptoms to severe

• Reduce activity level
• Eat small, frequent meals early in the day
• Eat high-calorie, protein-rich diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol
• Wash hands frequently

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen

FOR NAUSEA

• Drink clear or ice-cold drinks (avoid drinks high in sugar)
• Eat light, bland foods (crackers or plain bread)
• Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods
• Eat slowly and eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Do not mix hot and cold foods
• Avoid activity after eating
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Cyclizine
  • Dimenhydrinate
  • Meclizine