Everyone age 18 years and older should get tested for hepatitis C at least once in their life. Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The most common way to get hepatitis C is by coming in contact with the blood of someone who has it. In the United States, people usually get hepatitis C by sharing needles.
Many people who have hepatitis C live for years without feeling sick. But the virus can still damage your liver and cause liver cancer — even if you don’t feel sick. You could also spread the virus to others without knowing it.
The only way to know for sure if you have hepatitis C is to get a blood test. Medicine can cure most cases of hepatitis C.
When you visit the doctor, it helps to have questions ready ahead of time. You can also ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes.
Consider taking this list of questions to your next appointment.
Content last updated September 28, 2023
This information on hepatitis C was adapted primarily from materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Reviewed by:
Kari Sapsis, MPH
Communication Team Lead
Division of Viral Hepatitis
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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