One of the great health challenges facing our society is the relatively unknown epidemic of Hepatitis C. Although it has been overshadowed by AIDS, it affects more people (estimates run up to four times as many people) and can be just as deadly.

Hepatitis is defined simply as inflammation of the liver. It is an inflammation generally associated with damage or death of liver cells. There are many varieties of hepatitis, some acute hepatitis (attacks that eventually heal), others are chronic (ongoing liver problems). Seven different viruses (termed A, B, C, D, E, F and G) have been identified which cause hepatitis. Types A, B and C are infectius and the most widespread, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases.