Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation that damages your liver. You can get the infection if you have exposure to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) after contact with blood that carries the virus. Hepatitis C can cause acute or chronic infections:

• Acute hepatitis C: This is a short-term infection. The infection may not cause symptoms. If it does, it may take up to six months for your body to fight off the infection and make the virus go away.
• Chronic (long-term) hepatitis C: This happens when your body can’t fight off the infection. You have the virus, but it doesn’t cause symptoms, or your symptoms are mild. About 20% to 30% of people with chronic hepatitis C develop cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer or liver failure.

Researchers estimate between 2 and 4 million people in the U.S. have chronic hepatitis C. Many of them don’t know they have it. That’s why healthcare providers in the U.S. recommend everyone age 18 and older has a screening test for the virus. Tests to screen for hepatitis C let providers diagnose and treat it before the virus damages your liver. Treatment can cure hepatitis C.