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Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). 

HCV can affect people differently. Many people with hepatitis C do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. If symptoms occur when first infected, they can appear any time from 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure.

People newly infected with hepatitis C virus may experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild illness with few or no symptoms to a serious condition that could require hospitalization. 

Less than half of people newly infected with HCV will clear the virus. Most people with hepatitis C will develop a chronic, or long-term, infection. Chronic hepatitis C can cause liver disease, liver cancer, and even death. It is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.

Learn more about hepatitis C virus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Preventing Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is spread when someone comes into contact with blood from a person with HCV infection. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the virus. The behaviors that are shown to spread hepatitis C virus include:

  • Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug equipment.
  • Practicing poor or unsanitary procedures in health care facilities.
  • Engaging in sexual activity with a person who is infected with HCV.
  • Getting unregulated tattoos or body piercings.
  • Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant from a donor with HCV infection.

It's important to practice safe behaviors to avoid getting and spreading hepatitis C.

Syringe services programs and community-based prevention programs such as medication-assisted treatment centers can reduce the transmission of HCV for people who inject drugs, 

Additionally, although the risk of sexual transmission of HCV is low, it's important to use condoms or other protective equipment during sex with anyone including someone who has HCV infection to reduce the risk of transmission.

Learn more about hepatitis C prevention from the CDC.

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there are improved, well-tolerated treatments that cure most people.

Hepatitis C Testing

Getting tested is the only way to know if you have hepatitis C. 

In a medical setting, a provider will draw blood to do an HCV antibody test that will show whether their patient has ever been infected with HCV.

People who test positive or reactive for HCV antibodies should be tested for HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA). The results will tell whether a person has an active infection and requires treatment.

Learn more about hepatitis C testing from the CDC.

Hepatitis C Treatment

Treatment is recommended for all people with hepatitis C, except for pregnant people and children under 3.

Most treatments involve 8–12 weeks of oral medication (pills). Treatment cures more than 95% of patients with hepatitis C, usually without side effects. 

Learn more about hepatitis C treatment from the CDC.

Patient Support Resources

Find information and resources, including patient assistance programs, for people with hepatitis C at the American Liver Foundation. 

 

 

Topics:
Hepatitis
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