What Is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It is spread through blood contact.

Key Facts

• 80% of acute infections become chronic
• Many people don't know they have it
• Leading cause of liver transplantation in the U.S.
• Baby boomers (born 1945–1965) are at highest risk

Transmission

• Sharing needles
• Blood transfusion before 1992
• Tattoos with unsterile equipment
• Sexual transmission (less common)

Testing

• HCV antibody screening
• HCV RNA confirmatory test
• CDC recommends one-time screening for all adults

Treatment

• Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) cure 95%+ of cases
• Treatment duration: 8–12 weeks
• No vaccine available