Autoimmune diseases

Individuals who are infected with the hepatitis C virus are significantly more likely to develop autoimmune disease.

Infections are well known triggers of autoimmune disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Viral infections in particular are able to initiate an autoimmune disease in some people. This is particularly the case in chronic viral infections. If a virus hangs around inside the body, it chronically irritates and stimulates the immune system, and in time this can produce an autoimmune disease.

People with hepatitis C are most at risk of developing Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These autoimmune diseases produce symptoms including fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, generalized aches and pains, joint pain, chest pain, dry eyes and dry mouth.

If you have hepatitis C, it is important to see your doctor regularly and have appropriate blood tests to check for autoimmune disease. It’s possible that some of your symptoms may be due to an autoimmune condition, and addressing that can help you feel much better.

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