Symptoms to know and prevention tips for hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C (also known as Hep C) is a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. Over time, it can lead to cirrhosis, which is the damage and scarring of the liver. This can lead to liver failure or even liver cancer.

Some people who get a hepatitis C infection have it for a short period (acute) and then it gets better. However, most people who have been infected by the hepatitis C virus will get a long-term (chronic) infection.

What causes it?

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is spread by contact with infected blood. The most common way to get hepatitis C is by sharing needles, syringes, or other tools that touch blood.

You can get hepatitis C from unprotected sex. You cannot get it from casual contact like hugging, kissing, or sharing food or drink.

What are the symptoms?

Most people who have hepatitis C don’t have any symptoms. If there are symptoms, they may include:

• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Pain in the belly and joints
• Itchy skin
• Sore muscles
• Dark urine
• Jaundice (when skin and eyes look yellow)

How is it diagnosed?

Hepatitis C can be treated with medicine. There is a simple blood test to tell if you have hepatitis C and need treatment. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends hepatitis C testing for:

• All adults aged 18 years and older at least once in their life.
• All pregnant people during each pregnancy.

If you think you may be at risk or have ongoing risks for hepatitis C, talk to your primary care provider* (PCP) and ask about being tested.

Learn more about hepatitis C at cdc.gov.

*A primary care provider (PCP) is your main doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.