Hepatitis C
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that affects the liver and could lead to serious inflammation and damage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 71 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C infection. It is also the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the US, with an estimated 2.2–4.0 million people living with this disease.
Transmission
HCV is transmitted through contact with infected blood, most commonly through sharing of needles (~43% of cases) during intravenous drug use, unsafe medical procedures, or transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, although this is less common.
Symptoms
- •Fatigue
- •Joint pain
- •Nausea and vomiting
- •Abdominal pain
- •Loss of appetite
- •Jaundice
- •Itchy skin
- •Dark urine
- •Pale stools
Diagnosis
Diagnosing requires a blood test to check for anti-HCV antibodies, proteins that your body makes when HCV is present in your blood. If your antibody test is positive, you may get a HCV RNA test to measure the number of viral RNA particles in your blood. This usually show up 1-2 weeks after you’re infected. Liver function tests may also be done to measure proteins and enzyme levels, which usually rise 7 to 8 weeks after infection. CDC issued updated guidance emphasizing universal screening of all adults at least once and repeated screening for those with ongoing risk, as well as recommending HCV screening in every pregnancy.
Treatment
There is no vaccine for HCV. However, HCV infection is curable and there are several medications available. Talk to your doctor about the latest advances in treatment options for HCV. Modern direct‑acting antiviral [DAA] regimens achieve cure (sustained virologic response) >95% of the time, typically with 8–12 weeks of oral therapy.
Prevention
It is important to practice safer sex, avoid sharing needles or syringes, and use caution when getting tattoos or body piercings.
Sources
- Written by Love Hurts, Inc. and Kecia Gaither, MD. on November 1, 2025
- CDC: “HCV Infection.”
- Mayo Clinic: “Hepatitis C”
- WebMD: “Hepatitis C and the Hep C Virus”
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