This leaflet answers common questions about hepatitis C. If you would like further information, or have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your nurse or doctor. 

In all cases, a doctor or a nurse will explain the treatment options for hepatitis C to you and answer any questions you may have. In most cases it will be possible for a friend or relative to accompany you for all or part of the appointment.  

What is hepatitis C? 

The hepatitis C virus (also known as HCV and Hep C) is carried in the bloodstream. The virus can cause long term damage to the liver and sometimes cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).  

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease meaning it can be caught from or transmitted to other people. For some people, a hepatitis C infection will be cleared naturally by the body. However, most people will require treatment to get rid of the virus.  

Once the infection has lasted longer than six months it becomes known as chronic (long-term) hepatitis C. This means that the body can’t clear the virus by itself, and the liver may become damaged. Most people with hepatitis C infection are unaware they have the infection. 

Hepatitis C is cured with well-tolerated oral medications.

How do people get infected by hepatitis C? 

Many people do not know or may not ever know how they became infected. Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact, including through: 

  • sharing injecting equipment such as needles and syringes with an infected person
  • being tattooed or pierced with unsterilized tools that were used for an infected person 
  • sharing personal care items, such as toothbrush or razor, which may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood 
  • surgical or dental procedures, including blood transfusions, in some countries outside of the UK 
  • receiving blood transfusions or blood products before 1996 in the UK

You cannot get hepatitis C from kissing or hugging an infected person or sharing cutlery. 

How will hepatitis C affect my health? 

Hepatitis C is often called a ‘silent disease’ because most people infected with it do not have any symptoms until the virus causes liver damage. Symptoms of the virus can include itching and tiredness.  

Symptoms of liver disease can include yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice), bruising easily, swelling of the ankles and abdomen, and fatigue. 

What is cirrhosis of the liver? 

Cirrhosis is when the liver has become very scarred. This can affect the normal function of the liver and lead to liver failure. Causes of this include alcohol and virus infections including hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The amount of scarring that hepatitis C causes does vary between individuals.  

Because it is difficult to predict who might develop liver scar damage, it is advisable to treat everyone who has hepatitis C. This will prevent any future liver damage from hepatitis C and means that the person will not be able to pass the virus on to other people.

How can I be tested for hepatitis C? 

A blood test or finger prick test is required to diagnose hepatitis C. 

Can hepatitis C be cured? 

Hepatitis C can usually be cured with a course of tablets taken for eight or 12 weeks. Most people have no side effects whilst taking this treatment, and all patients are monitored by a specialist nurse throughout the treatment.