What Is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is a blood-borne virus that is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person. HCV can affect individuals in different ways, from causing no symptoms to severe liver disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 2.4 million people currently living in the United States have hepatitis C. Although there is no vaccine available to prevent HCV infection, treatment can help many people infected with HCV to achieve a cure.

How Is Hepatitis C Spread?

HCV is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. This includes activities like sharing needles and other drug injection equipment, menstruation, organ transplantation and sexual contact. The risk of HCV infection through sexual contact is considered low, but certain activities such as unprotected sex can increase the risk. Newborn babies can acquire HCV infection if the mother is infected.

Treatment and Prevention

Treating hepatitis C may involve a combination of medications, including antiviral drugs and other medications to support liver health. Treatment also involves regular doctor visits for monitoring progression of the disease and to check for any side effects. If untreated, hepatitis C can cause severe liver complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The best way to prevent HCV infection is to avoid activities that may put a person at risk, such as sharing needles or using illegal drugs. If a person is at risk of HCV infection, they should talk to their doctor about getting tested. Vaccines are currently available to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B, but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Achieving a cure for HCV infection is possible with the right treatment. With proper diagnosis and care, the risk for severe illness from hepatitis C can be greatly reduced.