Hepatitis C - meaning and definition
Alsohep CHCVhepatitis C virusHCV infection
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection spread mainly through blood; sexual transmission is less common but possible, and modern tablets cure most cases.
At a glance
- Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection spread mainly through blood.
- It is most often passed on by sharing injecting equipment.
- Sexual transmission is uncommon but possible.
- Many people have no symptoms for years.
- Direct-acting antiviral tablets cure the large majority of people, but there is no vaccine.
In detail
The hepatitis C virus is most often passed on by sharing injecting equipment. Sexual transmission is uncommon but more likely during sex that may involve blood, and it has been seen more often among men who have sex with men and people living with HIV.
Many people have no symptoms for years while the virus slowly damages the liver. A blood test can diagnose it, and a short course of direct-acting antiviral tablets cures the large majority of people. There is no vaccine.
In a sentence
- The clinic added a hepatitis C test to his routine blood tests.
- She was cured of hepatitis C after a short course of tablets.
Where the word comes from
The virus was identified in 1989. Before that, the infection was known as "non-A, non-B hepatitis".
Not to be confused with
- Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a different virus that spreads more easily through sex and can be prevented by vaccination.
Common questions
Can hepatitis C be passed on through sex?
It can, but this is uncommon. It is more likely during sex that may involve blood, and it has been seen more often among men who have sex with men and people living with HIV. A sexual health clinic or doctor can advise on your own situation.
Is hepatitis C curable?
Yes, in most cases. A short course of direct-acting antiviral tablets cures the large majority of people. There is no vaccine, so testing is the way to find it.