Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the blood-borne Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is primarily spread through contact with blood from an infected person. A simple blood test is used to detect HCV. There is no vaccine to prevent HCV but there is a cure.

Chronic HCV is a serious disease that can lead to long-term health complications and impact the quality of life for those affected. Since most individuals with chronic HCV do not experience symptoms, the majority are unaware of their infection. It is estimated that 2.4 to 4.7 million Americans are currently living with undiagnosed chronic HCV.

Finding out your status is easy – just a quick blood test.

Who should be tested?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone be tested for Hepatitis C (HCV) at least once in their lifetime. Some people may need to be tested more frequently.

Baby Boomers (people born between 1945-1965) have the highest rates of HCV, and as a result the CDC recommends that all baby boomers get tested for HCV. Many baby boomers could have become infected from contaminated blood and blood products before widespread testing and safety measures were put in place. Therefore, it is very important that baby boomers get tested and treated before serious complications may occur.

Former and current people who inject drugs are at risk for HCV because the virus can live outside of the body and on injection equipment for a long time. HCV is most easily transmitted through sharing of needles and items used for drugs. People who currently inject drugs, or previously injected drugs (even once), need to be tested for HCV.

Pregnant people and their babies should be tested for HCV during every pregnancy. Pregnant people living with HCV can pass the virus on to their baby. Babies born to people living with HCV will also need to be tested around 2 to 6 months of age.

What is the treatment and cure?

Hepatitis C can be treated and cured with medication, typically taken daily for 8 to 12 weeks. New medications have minimal side effects. After completing treatment, a follow-up blood test will check for the presence of the virus. Over 95% of those who complete treatment are cured. However, cured individuals can be reinfected, so it’s important to prevent exposure to HCV and to get retested. Speak with a healthcare provider or a prevention specialist at a local drug user health program to learn how to reduce the chance of reinfection.