Hepatitis C

What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. The virus spreads through blood and can damage the liver over time.

Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States. Many people do not know they have it because they may not have symptoms for years.

How is hepatitis C spread?

Hepatitis C spreads when blood from someone who has the virus enters another person’s bloodstream.

In the United States, common ways hepatitis C spreads include:

• Sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs
• Receiving a blood transfusion before 1992, before blood testing for hepatitis C was available
• Accidental needle sticks, such as those that can happen in healthcare settings
• Sharing straws or other items used to snort drugs
• Getting tattoos or piercings with equipment that has not been properly cleaned
• Sexual contact, which is less common

Symptoms of hepatitis C

Most people with hepatitis C do not have symptoms and may not know they are infected. Many cases are found during routine blood tests.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint pain
• Discomfort or pain on the right side of the abdomen

Diagnosing hepatitis C

Your provider will use blood tests to check for hepatitis C.

Testing may include:

• Hepatitis C antibody test: This test looks for antibodies your body makes after being exposed to the virus. A positive result means your body has been exposed to hepatitis C at some point.
• PCR test (also called HCV RNA testing): If the antibody test is positive, this test checks whether the virus is currently present in your blood. It can also show the amount and type of virus.

Some people are able to clear hepatitis C from their body without treatment. Others develop a chronic (long-term) infection that requires treatment.

Checking your liver health

If hepatitis C is found in your blood, your provider will check how the virus has affected your liver.

Testing may include:

• Blood tests to check how well your liver is working
• Elastography, a painless ultrasound test that measures liver stiffness
• FIB-4, a blood test that helps estimate liver scarring
• Liver biopsy, which removes a small sample of liver tissue and is used less often today

Understanding the amount of liver damage helps your provider create the best treatment plan for you.

Treatment for hepatitis C

The good news is that hepatitis C can usually be cured with medication.

Treatment may include:

• Antiviral pills taken by mouth for about 8 to 12 weeks
• Regular follow-up visits and blood tests to confirm the virus has been cleared

More than 95% of people who complete treatment are cured. A cure means the virus is no longer found in your blood 12 weeks after finishing treatment.

Side effects from treatment are usually mild but may include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Mild nausea

Before starting treatment, tell your provider about all medicines you take, including vitamins, supplements, herbal products, and over-the-counter medications. Some medications can interact with hepatitis C treatment.

Protecting others from hepatitis C

Hepatitis C spreads through blood. To reduce the chance of spreading the virus:

• Cover open cuts or sores
• Clean up blood spills carefully
• Do not share razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or other personal items that may have blood on them
• Do not donate blood, organs, or semen

Hepatitis C is rarely spread through sexual contact. People in long-term relationships with one partner usually do not need to change their habits. If you have multiple partners, using condoms can help reduce risk.

Contact us

If you have questions about hepatitis C or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at 612-871-1145 or schedule an appointment online.

Where to Get More Help
American Liver Foundation
www.liverfoundation.org
1-800-465-4837

Hepatitis B Foundation
www.hepb.org
215-489-4900

CDC Hepatitis Information
www.cdc.gov/hepatitis
1-800-232-4636