Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid liver damage.
Hepatitis C is one of the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States.
How Hepatitis C Spreads
HCV is usually spread by contact with blood, even a very small amount, from a person with the virus.
Most people get HCV by sharing syringes or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. Infection can also come from sharing razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, or personal medical equipment like glucose monitors.
Hepatitis C is not spread by casual contact, food, or coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms
Chronic hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.
Like hepatitis A, HCV can be acute, lasting only a few weeks, or chronic, with a lifelong risk of liver disease.
Acute HCV
Symptoms of acute hepatitis C, appear 2–12 weeks after infection. They can include:
- Dark urine or clay-colored stools
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, stomach pain, throwing up
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
Chronic HCV
Chronic hepatitis C does not cause immediate, noticeable symptoms. Over time, though, it can cause:
- Fatigue or depression
- Liver disease
- Liver cancer
- Death
Even without symptoms, people with chronic hepatitis C can still spread the illness to others. This makes testing for hepatitis C infection important.
Prevention
The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease.
- Do not share needles, syringes, or other drug equipment.
- Do not share personal items such as razors, clippers or toothbrushes that can be contaminated with tiny amounts of blood.
- Avoid sexual activity with a person who may be infected with HCV.
- Do not get tattoos or body piercings from an unregulated provider.
Testing and Treatment
You should be tested for HCV if:
- You use syringes that may have been shared with others.
- You shared personal items with someone who has HCV.
- You had sexual activity with someone who has HCV.
Hepatitis C testing is recommended for all infants and children 2-6 months old born to pregnant women with hepatitis C.
Treatment
Hepatitis C can be treated. Treatment is crucial to prevent severe liver damage and avoid the spread of HCV.
Most treatments involve 8–12 weeks of oral medication. Treatment cures more than 95% of patients with hepatitis C, usually without side effects.
There is no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C.
Treatment Locator
For More Information
For Health Professionals
- Hepatitis C education and trainingfrom the University of Washington
- Hepatitis C treatment guidelines from The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the Infectious Diseases Society of America
