What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It spreads through blood-to-blood contact.
Over time, Hepatitis C can cause liver inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis), and increase the risk of liver cancer. Many people have no symptoms for years, so infection often goes undiagnosed until liver damage has already occurred.
Hepatitis C is curable, and treatment is available across Virginia.
During the first 6 months after exposure, called acute Hepatitis C, some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms, while many have no symptoms at all.
Some people clear the virus on their own, but most develop chronic hepatitis C and need treatment to be cured.
Hepatitis C Fast Facts
Short or long
term illness
Early testing
matters
Liver disease
risk
Hepatitis C is curable
with treatment
How it Spreads
Non-sterile tattoo or piercing equipment
Sharing needles or drug equipment
During
childbirth
Sharing personal
items
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood.
Hepatitis C spreads through sharing items used during drug use, such as syringes, cotton, or straws. It can also spread through shared personal items like razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers that may have blood on them.
Why Testing Matters
Most people with hepatitis C do not have symptoms, making testing essential.
Testing can determine whether you:
Have an active infection
Had a past infection
Need treatment
More than 40% of people with hepatitis C are unaware they have it. Without treatment, chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Who Should Get Tested
Consider getting tested for
Hepatitis C if you:
Have ever injected drugs
Have shared drug use equipment
Received tattoos or piercings in non-sterile settings
Were born between 1945-1965
Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
Have had abnormal liver tests
Work in healthcare or public safety and may be exposed to blood
Not sure if you need testing?
CDC recommends at least one lifetime hepatitis C test for all adults.
Hepatitis C Test Results
Hepatitis C Antibody Test: Shows whether you have ever been exposed to the virus. This test usually remains positive for life after exposure.
HCV RNA (Viral Load) Test: Shows whether Hepatitis C is currently active. A detectable result means the virus is present and treatment is needed. A not detectable result means there is no current infection.
Genotype Testing (less common):
Identifies the strain of hepatitis C virus. Modern treatments are effective across all types.
Liver Function Tests:
Evaluate liver health and potential damage
A positive HCV RNA Viral Load Test means the hepatitis C virus is present in the body and treatment is needed.
If you have an active hepatitis C infection, getting treated can cure hepatitis C.
If your HCV RNA test was positive, Virginia HEPC can help connect you with treatment options.
Complete a referral form to connect with telehealth treatment from home, or use the treatment access map to find a provider near you.
Treatment and Recovery
Hepatitis C is curable. Treatment typically takes 8-12 weeks of daily oral medication.
Follow-up liver
testing
Taking daily
oral medicine
Preventing
transmission
Hepatitis C treatment cures about 96% of people who complete treatment.
Successful hepatitis C treatment removes the virus from the body and greatly reduces the risk of transmission. People can still become re-infected if exposed again.
A positive HCV RNA test means hepatitis C is active in your body. Treatment can cure hepatitis C.
Ready to get treated?
Prevention
Prevent
Hepatitis C
Use sterile needles and supplies
Don’t share drug-use equipment
Choose licensed tattoo and piercing studios
Get tested regularly if you are at risk
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but it is preventable.
Harm reduction services help prevent hepatitis C transmission and re-infection.
Take the Next Step
Hepatitis C is preventable.
If you’re infected it is curable. Early testing is important.
Get tested if you are at risk. Most people are unaware they are infected
Take precautions to prevent spreading infection to others
If you know you’re positive, get treated.
Find a testing site near you.
For Community Partners
Interested in offering
testing in your
community?
CONTACT
Colin Dwyer
Viral Hepatitis Program Coordinator
Virginia Department of Health
Colin.Dwyer@vdh.virginia.gov
804-613-8228
