What Is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood. Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis C can become a chronic infection, leading to long-term liver problems such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Many people with hepatitis C have no symptoms for years, which means the infection can silently damage the liver before it is detected. Early testing and treatment are critical to prevent serious complications.

hepatitis c

Hepatitis C Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C often produces few or no symptoms during its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right side
  • Dark urine and light-colored stool
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C can take decades to develop, often appearing only after significant liver damage has occurred.

Did you know? About 75% of people with hepatitis C don’t show any symptoms for years, even while the virus slowly damages their liver.

How is hepatitis C spread?

Hepatitis C spreads through blood-to-blood contact. The most common transmission routes include:

  • Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment
  • Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992 (when widespread screening began)
  • Exposure to contaminated medical equipment or tattoo needles
  • From mother to baby during childbirth (rare)
  • Through sexual contact, especially among men who have sex with men or people with multiple partners

Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact, hugging, kissing, or sharing food and drinks.

Hepatitis C Statistics

Who is most at risk for hepatitis C?

Certain groups face a higher risk of hepatitis C infection, including:

  • People who inject drugs or have a history of injection drug use
  • Individuals born between 1945 and 1965 (“baby boomers”)
  • People who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992
  • Healthcare workers exposed to blood
  • Those with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections
  • Infants born to mothers with hepatitis C

The CDC recommends that all adults be screened for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime.

Hepatitis C Incidence by Age and Sex (U.S., 2023)

According to the CDC:

  • About 2.4 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic hepatitis C
  • Approximately 70% of new infections occur among adults aged 20–39
  • Men account for about 60% of reported cases
  • Injection drug use is the leading cause of new infections

Though hepatitis C infections have declined since the 1990s, recent increases in injection drug use have caused a resurgence among younger adults.

Hepatitis C Treatment

Hepatitis C is now considered curable in most cases thanks to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications. These drugs eliminate the virus from the body in more than 95% of patients.

Common treatments include combinations such as sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (Epclusa), glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Mavyret), or ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni). Treatment typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks and has few side effects.

Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term liver damage. Those with advanced liver disease may require regular monitoring or, in severe cases, a liver transplant.

There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, making prevention and testing essential.

Chlamydia Incidence by Age and Sex (U.S., 2023)

According to the CDC:

  • About 2.4 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic hepatitis C
  • Approximately 70% of new infections occur among adults aged 20–39
  • Men account for about 60% of reported cases
  • Injection drug use is the leading cause of new infections

Though hepatitis C infections have declined since the 1990s, recent increases in injection drug use have caused a resurgence among younger adults.

Hepatitis C FAQs

Can Hep C be cured forever?

Yes, Hepatitis C can be cured permanently with modern antiviral medications that clear the virus from your body. Once successfully treated, the infection is considered resolved, but it’s important to avoid behaviors that could lead to reinfection.

What is the main cause of Hep C?

Hepatitis C is primarily caused by the hepatitis C virus, which spreads through contact with infected blood. The most common ways to get exposed include sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment, receiving contaminated blood products, or, less commonly, through sexual contact.

Can hep C be transmitted through saliva?

Hepatitis C is very unlikely to be transmitted through saliva alone, as the virus is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact. Casual kissing or sharing utensils poses an extremely low risk, but if there are open sores or bleeding gums, transmission could be possible.

Is hep C contagious?

Yes, hepatitis C (hep C) is contagious and spreads primarily through contact with infected blood, such as sharing needles or unsterilized tattoo equipment. It is not spread through casual contact like hugging or sharing utensils, so everyday interactions are safe.

Is hep C caused by drinking?

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus, primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, not by drinking alcohol. While drinking alcohol doesn’t cause Hep C, it can worsen liver damage if you already have the infection.

Is hep C in sperm?

Hepatitis C is not typically found in sperm, and sexual transmission through vaginal or anal sex is considered low risk. However, it can be present in blood, so activities involving blood contact carry a higher chance of transmission.

Do I have to tell my partner I have hep C?

Yes, it’s important to tell your partner if you have hep C so they can take steps to protect their health. Open communication helps prevent transmission and allows both of you to get tested and seek medical advice if needed.

How is Hep C diagnosed?

Hepatitis C is diagnosed through a simple blood test that looks for antibodies to the virus. If the antibody test is positive, a follow-up RNA test is done to confirm an active infection. These tests are quick, accurate, and essential for getting timely treatment.

How long does Hep C take to show up?

Hepatitis C typically shows up in blood tests within 2 to 12 weeks after exposure, though it can sometimes take up to 6 months to detect antibodies. Early testing can identify the virus’s RNA, while antibody tests may take longer to become positive.

Does Hep C have a vaccine?

No, there is currently no vaccine available for Hepatitis C. However, Hep C is treatable with antiviral medications that can often cure the infection.

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