The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects liver cells in the body and causes a chronic infection in 80% of cases. Over time, this can cause diseases like liver damage and cancer. Most people living with hepatitis C do not know they are infected – symptoms of the disease often only occur after the liver has been significantly damaged. Symptoms of hepatitis can include fatigue, nausea, and jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). Learn more about hepatitis C at CDC.gov.
What causes a hepatitis C infection?
Hepatitis C is spread from one person to another through blood-blood exposure. This can happen through:
- Sharing needles, cottons, cookers, water, straws, or other drug use equipment that has been contaminated with infected blood
- Using contaminated surfaces to prepare drugs or drug use equipment
- Getting a tattoo or piercing from an unsterile, contaminated needle
- Rarely, through sex – especially rough sex or sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
How can I prevent a hepatitis C infection?
People who use drugs can reduce their risk by:
- Not sharing any drug use-related equipment (including syringes, cottons, cookers, water, and straws)
- Using new, sterile needles and equipment for each injection
- Cleaning and sterilizing all surfaces used to prepare drugs
- Washing hands with soap and water before and after injecting
- Using alcohol or soap and water to clean the injection site before injecting
Cleaning out a used needle with bleach will reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of infection. Read the CDC’s guidance on cleaning syringes.
How do I get tested for hepatitis C?
There are two main types of tests performed to detect a hepatitis C infection: the antibody test and the RNA test.
- An antibody test is used to screen for hepatitis C and is performed on blood drawn from the arm or from a finger prick. This test will determine whether someone has ever been exposed to the virus. Even if someone has “cleared” the infection and does not have a chronic infection, this test will show a positive result.
- An RNA test is performed on blood drawn from the arm. If a hepatitis C antibody test is reactive (or “positive”), this test can be used to confirm a chronic infection.
Find a testing site near you:
What should I do if I have a hepatitis C infection?
If you have recently been diagnosed or are living with an untreated hepatitis C infection, it is important that you seek care. There are several new medications available that can cure hepatitis C.
- The first step to getting treated for hepatitis C is to see your primary care doctor, who may refer you to a specialist for further testing and treatment.
- If you live in Franklin county and need assistance finding care for hepatitis C, you can complete a request to be contacted by our Health Navigator.
Where can I find more information about hepatitis C?
HIV & Drug Use | Hep-C & Drug Use | Other Conditions & Drug Use | Overdose Prevention & Response | Substance Use Disorder Treatment
