RNA based virus that highjacks liver cells to do the work of the virus instead of the proper liver cell function (filtering out garbage like alcohol, drugs, chemicals, other stuff that should not be there). RNA viruses are not the strongest so some people's immune systems manage to clear it. Usually does not show symptoms until the liver is wrecked. Some people live their whole lives with it and keep it at bay. If you are diagnosed with it and you go the whole 9 yards to the liver biopsy, you make a decision whether or not to treat. Lots of liver damage? Stop assaulting your liver with alcohol, chemicals and drugs. Thats a start but not enough of one. Go into treatment. Ignore all the scarey stories and use a doctor who does a LOT of regular bloodwork so you can keep ahead of the treatment poisoning you. It's just like chemo for cancer and should be taken very seriously.