Hepatitis C

Learn about hepatitis C, how to prevent it, its symptoms, testing, and treatment.

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Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that can cause liver inflammation. Many people with hepatitis C do not have symptoms and may not know they have the infection.

Without treatment, hepatitis C can remain in the body for many years and may cause liver damage over time. That is why it is important to get tested and treated with medication that can cure hepatitis C infections.

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How to Prevent Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C spreads when blood or other body fluids from a person with hepatitis C enter another person’s body. This includes:

Sharing needles or personal items that may have blood on them,
Contact with blood through cuts or needlesticks,
Sexual contact involving blood exposure,
And from a pregnant person to their baby during childbirth.

Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, sharing food or drinks, coughing, or sneezing.

There are several ways to reduce the risk of getting or spreading hepatitis C:

Avoid contact with other people’s blood.

Do not share razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or other personal items that may have blood on them.

Cover cuts and open wounds with a clean bandage.

If you have sex that may involve contact with blood, using condoms or other barrier methods can reduce the risk of hepatitis C transmission.

If you inject drugs, use new, sterile needles and syringes and do not share injection equipment. Syringe services and other harm-reduction programs can provide sterile supplies and other support.

If you use drugs by snorting, do not share equipment such as straws or other items that could have blood on them.

Healthcare and other workers who may be exposed to blood or needles should follow standard precautions and use appropriate protective equipment.

If you have hepatitis C, do not donate blood, organs, tissue, or semen.

Testing

Hepatitis C affects people differently. Some people may clear the virus without treatment, while others develop a long-term infection. Many people with hepatitis C feel healthy but if left untreated, liver damage may occur and they may develop cirrhosis and liver failure. Because many people do not have symptoms, getting tested is the only way to know if you have hepatitis C. There are medications available to cure the infection.

Learn who should get tested for hepatitis C here. 

If you have questions about testing, talk with a healthcare provider or contact the Mayor’s Health Line for free, confidential, multilingual health information and referral services at 617-534-5050. The Mayor’s Health Line helps all residents regardless of immigration status or gender identity.

Treatment

There are medications available to cure hepatitis C. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out which treatment is best for you.

If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the Mayor's Health Line at 617-534-5050 to assist in finding a healthcare provider near you.

How can a person with hepatitis C take care of their liver?

See your healthcare provider regularly.

Do not drink alcohol.

Check with your healthcare provider before taking any new medication, including over the counter and herbal medicines.

Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Take medication to cure hepatitis C.

Symptoms

Some people will have no symptoms or not have symptoms for many years. However, in some people, symptoms may appear as soon as 2 weeks or a few months after exposure to the virus. Symptoms can include: