Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that can lead to inflammation and severe liver complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. After being infected with the hepatitis C virus, you may not experience any symptoms for years (or even decades), although some people do have nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle or joint aches, and yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice. Hepatitis C transmits from person to person via contact with blood containing the virus, most commonly when people share needles or other drug paraphernalia. Fortunately, hepatitis C is usually curable with antiviral medications. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term liver damage.
What Is Hepatitis C? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MD | May 21, 2023
FAQ
How is hepatitis C spread?
A person can acquire hepatitis C when they come into contact with blood that carries the virus. This often occurs by sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia. Unsterile tattoo needles, shared personal hygiene items, and unprotected sex can also transmit hepatitis C.
Can hepatitis C be cured?
Hepatitis C is often curable by taking antivirals early to prevent complications. Up to 20 percent of people with acute hepatitis C clear the virus without treatment in six months — however, hepatitis C often becomes chronic and causes complications if it’s not treated.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
Many people with hepatitis C have no symptoms, while others may experience fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dark urine, fever, joint or muscle pain, and jaundice. Symptoms can take years to develop. Screening can rule out hepatitis C in those without symptoms.
How is hepatitis C diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals diagnose hepatitis C with blood tests that detect the virus. Consider hepatitis C testing if you have a history of injecting drugs, are pregnant, live with HIV, or have other risk factors for exposure.
How can I prevent hepatitis C?
Avoid sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia, practice safe sex or avoid sexual contact with people who have hepatitis C, and if you get any tattoos or piercings, only do so at regulated facilities that sterilize their equipment. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.
Poll
How aware are you of how hepatitis C is transmitted?
Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, a...
Jane Yoon Scott, MD, is an infectious disease physician and an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Scott enjoys connecting with her patients, empowe...
Ira Daniel Breite, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He is an associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he also sees patien...
Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and an assistant professor of clinical medicine and the director of the care management program at Weill Cornell ...
Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years. Dr. Smythe is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog...
Yuying Luo, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine at Mount Sinai West and Morningside in New York City. She aims to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered, and holistic care ...
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
