The condition and the treatments
Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis C virus. Some people who are infected with the hepatitis C virus recover quickly, but most people develop a long-lasting infection; this is called chronic hepatitis C. People who have chronic hepatitis C may feel well for many years, but the virus can make them ill and cause damage to their liver later.
Peginterferon alfa is a drug used to treat the hepatitis C virus. There are 2 types: peginterferon alfa-2a and peginterferon alfa-2b. Peginterferon alfa is usually taken with another drug called ribavirin.
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more.