Covering every aspect of Hepatitis C, this authoritative volume delivers the facts about this serious liver disease that afflicts four million Americans in a clear, straightforward way, and brings readers cutting-edge information on the symptoms, problems, and latest treatment options. "An invaluable book for patients with Hepatitis C and their families...Provides a clear and compassionate description of complex medical issues that many doctors fail to explain to their patients." -- Howard J. Worman, M.D. Associate Professor of Medicine, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York "Dr. Askari has captured the essence of hepatitis C by highlighting how insidiuous and yet serious the infection can be. He has been able to explain complicated scientific and medical processes using terms and analogies that are readily understandable by the non-physician/scientist. This work will fill a large void for those who wish to learn more about hepatitis C and how in the United States it is affecting four million people as well as their family and friends." -- Bruce R. Bacon, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine, Director, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Health Sciences Center, Saint Louis University "This informative and well-written book provides comprehensive knowledge to the public about the disease, so that it can be prevented or, if contracted, treated appropriately...Particularly timely because of the evolving scientific information about a widely preventable illness and coincides with the ever expanding demand for medical knowledge in the population at risk." -- Dr. Tadataka Yamada, President Health Care Service, SmithKline Beecham Do you know that Hepatitis C is at first an often symptom-free infection which later can progress to liver failure and death? Did you know that one in fifty Americans are infected with Hepatitis C, and the numbers continue to grow? At the present time more people are infected with Hepatitis C than with AIDS. Nine out of ten infected people are unaware of their infection. Hepatitis C, The Silent Epidemic: The Authoritative Guide is a conclusive, comprehensive volume that covers every aspect of Hepatitis C, delivering the facts in a clear, straightforward way. Dr. Askari, a respected Hepatitis C expert, brings us cutting-edge information on the symptoms, problems, and latest treatment options including alternative ways to treat this serious condition that attacks the liver. This book is an up to date reference wich includes descriptions of combination therapy as well as suggested dietary and lifestyle modifications which may forestall problems caused by the infection. Extensive insight into home remedies, dietary and nutritional supplements and their role in HCV management is discussed. This clearly written book for the lay reader provides a compassionate, comprehensive, and invaluable guide for anyone suffering from Hepatitis C, as well as their families and loved ones. Hepatitis C, The Silent Epidemic: The Authoritative Guide introduces the reader to the illness, its story and symptoms, and provides significant information on the relation of Hepatitis C and nutrition. Hepatitis C causes one-third of all cases of chronic hepatitis leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. The signs of Hepatitis C infection that bring individuals to the attention of a physician may take many different forms. In this volume the reader can learn about these different symptoms and its causes. About this topic Dr. Fred Askari answers the most crucial questions: What are the ways in which the disease can be spread? Can you get it from tattoos, acupuncture, manicures, pedicures, drug use, and body piercing? What are the latest and most effective treatments available? What is the best way to approach liver transplantation? Fred Askari, M.D., Ph.D. has earned international acclaim as a physician-scientist and educator with a focused interest in liver diseases like Hepatitis C. He has co-authored articles in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association have been used to teach physicians about immunology and treatment for viruses. He has extensive experience in both giving compassionate care to individuals infected with Hepatitis C and performing basic research on new therapies for battling it. Currently he is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan Medical Center in the Department of Internal Medicine, the Division of Gastroenterology.