What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver and can lead to liver disease. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, long-term illness.
Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is often called a silent infection because many people who are infected have no symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they typically appear 2 to 12 weeks after exposure to the virus.
Hepatitis C Symptoms in General
People with Hepatitis C may experience:
- Dark urine or clay-colored stools
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Even if you don’t have symptoms, Hepatitis C can still cause serious liver damage over time.
How Do You Get Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with blood from an infected person. This can happen through sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs, sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes that may have come into contact with blood, and through unsterile tattoo or piercing equipment. While it’s less common, Hepatitis C can also be transmitted through sexual contact, especially through anal sex.
Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, or sharing food or drinks.
Testing for Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is diagnosed through a blood test. This test checks for antibodies in your blood that indicate whether you’ve been exposed to the virus. If the antibody test is positive, a second test will confirm if the virus is still present in your blood.
Regular testing is recommended for those at higher risk, including people who have injected drugs, people with HIV, and those who have received a blood transfusion before 1992.
Treatment for Hepatitis C
Nearly all people with Hepatitis C can now be cured with antiviral medications. Treatment typically involves taking pills daily for 8 to 12 weeks. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, so prevention and early treatment are key.
Preventing Hepatitis C
To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading Hepatitis C:
- Avoid sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment used to inject drugs.
- Do not share personal items like razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers.
- Ensure any tattoo or piercing is done with sterile equipment.
- Use condoms and water-based lubricants during sex, especially if there is a risk of blood exposure.
- If you are providing first aid or cleaning up blood or body fluids, always wear disposable gloves.
Telling Your Partner About Hepatitis C
If you have Hepatitis C, it’s important to inform your current and past partners so they can get tested as well. This can help prevent the spread of the virus and ensure they receive treatment if necessary. TellYourPartner.com offers an anonymous service to notify partners about potential exposure to infections.