Hi Methe, thanks for reaching out with your question. Hepatitis C has two phases: an acute phase that is under 6 months; and a chronic phase that takes place after 6 months and is characterized by gradual, progressive damage to the liver. Using the Metavir Scoring System, stage 3 hepatitis C involves liver scarring and "fibrosis is spreading and connecting to other areas that contain fibrosis." Hepatitis C damages the liver and can progress into liver disease, including fibrosis. I hope this is helpful–please keep us in the loop about your friend?
I also want to provide the contact information for Help4Hep, a free peer counseling service for people living with hep C. Their counselors are knowledgable and can be reached at 877‑435‑7443 from 9am-9pm EST.
Be well, Matt (Team Member, HepatitisC.net)