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Hepatitis C

Also called: Hep C, HCV

A liver infection from a virus spread through blood, most often from sharing needles. Most people have no symptoms, and it usually becomes long-term. Pills taken for 8 to 12 weeks cure more than 95% of people.

TypeA viral liver infection
Spreads byBlood
OftenNo symptoms for years
CureYes, in more than 95% of people
TestingAll adults at least once

Overview

Hepatitis C can be a short-term illness, but for most people it becomes a chronic infection. Over many years it can scar the liver (cirrhosis) and cause liver cancer.

Because most people feel fine, testing is the only way to know. The CDC recommends testing all adults at least once and every pregnancy. There's no vaccine, but treatment cures almost everyone.

Symptoms

About 4 in 5 people have no symptoms. When they happen:

  • Tiredness
  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Abnormal liver tests

Less common

  • Nausea or poor appetite
  • Belly pain
  • Dark urine
  • Joint pain
  • Swollen belly or easy bruising with advanced liver disease

When to get medical care

Call 911Vomiting blood, black stools, confusion, or severe belly swelling with fever.
Get care todayYellow skin or eyes or dark urine.
See a doctor soonYou've never been tested, or you've shared needles or other drug equipment.

Causes

The hepatitis C virus spreads through blood: sharing needles or drug equipment, needle-sticks, unsterile tattoos, and from mother to baby. Sex spreads it less often. It doesn't spread through kissing, coughing, or sharing food.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Yes, it can spread from person to person.
  • How it spreads: contact with infected blood.
  • Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Injecting drugs, now or ever
  • Blood transfusion before 1992
  • HIV
  • Born to a mother with hepatitis C
  • Long-term dialysis

Possible complications

  • Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
  • Liver cancer

Diagnosis

Two blood tests confirm hepatitis C.

Questions you may be asked

  • Ever injecting drugs, even once
  • Tattoos or piercings
  • Blood transfusions before 1992

The exam

They'll look for signs of liver disease.

Tests

Tests:

  • Hepatitis C antibody test: Shows whether you've ever been infected.
  • HCV RNA test: Shows whether the virus is in your blood now.
  • Liver scarring tests: Blood tests or a special ultrasound (elastography).

Treatment

Direct-acting antiviral pills cure most people in 8 to 12 weeks, with few side effects.

Self-care

  • Don't wait to start treatment
  • Take every pill until the course is done
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
  • Don't share needles, razors, or toothbrushes

Medicines

Treatment is usually one pill a day.

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Direct-acting antivirals
Curing hepatitis CTell your doctor all your medicines; some interact.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

You can get hepatitis C again after a cure, so keep avoiding blood exposure. People with cirrhosis need liver checks every 6 months even after a cure.

Prevention

There's no vaccine. To prevent hepatitis C:

  • Never share needles or drug equipment
  • Use licensed tattoo and piercing shops
  • Don't share razors or toothbrushes
  • Get tested and treated

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver doctor).

Living with it

  • Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
  • Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
  • Note which foods make symptoms better or worse.
  • Eat smaller meals and limit alcohol.
  • Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Stay home until you've had no fever for 24 hours without fever medicine and you're feeling better.
  • For the next 5 days, wash hands often and wear a mask around others.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Pregnancy: Testing is recommended in every pregnancy. Babies born to mothers with hepatitis C are tested.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

  • Go to visits when you can and take notes.
  • Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
  • Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Hepatitis C can be cured. Early treatment prevents liver scarring, liver cancer, and death.

Getting ready for your visit

Ask about treatment right away.

What to bring

  • Test results
  • Your full medicine list

Questions to ask

  • Which treatment is best for me?
  • Do I have liver scarring?
  • How will we know I'm cured?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Hepatitis C

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.