Frequently
Asked
Questions

African-American Hep C Specialist

For answers to your questions about hepatitis C (Hep C) and treatment, the Hep C Hope Line is here to help with patient support.

Live Hep C educators are available to connect you with the patient resources you need, including information about Hep C symptoms, Hep C testing, and Hep C treatments.

Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246).

Below are answers to some of the Hep C related questions you might have right now.


  • What is hepatitis C?

      Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a serious virus that infects the liver, and is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person.

      There are six main types of Hep C, each of which can cause severe and permanent liver damage if left untreated.

      LEARN ABOUT HEP C BASICS
  • I just found out I have Hep C, now what?

      A Hep C diagnosis may feel overwhelming, and you might ask yourself, “What was the cause of my hepatitis C?”

      You are not alone.

      Hep C educators are waiting to answer your questions, and connect you to the right Hep C treatment resources.

      SPEAK WITH A HEP C EDUCATOR

      Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246).

  • I have questions about Hep C treatment options. Is there someone I can talk to?

      Yes. When you call the Hep C Hope Line, you’ll be connected directly to a Hep C educator who can answer questions about Hep C treatments, and more.

      The Hep C Hope Line is open 7 days a week, it’s completely confidential and you don’t need a prescription to start.

      SPEAK WITH A HEP C EDUCATOR

      Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246) for more information about Hep C treatment.

  • How much does Hep C treatment cost?

      It may be more affordable than you think because Hep C treatments are covered by most private health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare plans.

      Your Hep C Specialist will work with your insurance company to identify your coverage and possible financial support options.

      ASK ABOUT TREATMENT AFFORDABILITY

      Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246).

  • How do I get a hepatitis C blood test?

      The simple, one-time hepatitis C blood test is covered by most private health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare plans, but testing for hepatitis C is not usually part of routine blood work.

      Call your healthcare provider before your next appointment to have the hepatitis C blood test added to your lab order.

      LEARN ABOUT HEP C TESTING
  • What are the symptoms of Hep C?

      Hep C is sometimes known as the “silent disease” because some people show Hep C symptoms while others live for years without any obvious signs of Hep C.

      Either way, don’t wait for symptoms of hepatitis C to appear. By the time they do, your liver may be severely damaged.

      Click to see a full list of chronic hepatitis C symptoms you may experience once your liver has been damaged.

      SEE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEP C
  • How do you get Hep C?

      Hep C transmission can happen by:

      • Being the recipient of a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992

      • Using recreational drugs that involve needles or straws

      • Receiving needlestick injuries in healthcare settings

      • Using unsterilized tattoo equipment

      • Sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes

      • Engaging in sexual contact with a person infected with Hep C

      SEE HOW HEP C IS SPREAD
  • Is Hep C contagious?

      Yes, Hep C is a contagious virus that is spread mainly through blood-to-blood contact.

      Things like unsterilized tattoo equipment, sharing needles, and having sex with a person infected with Hep C are some ways the virus is spread.

      LEARN ABOUT HEP C BASICS
  • What type of doctor should I see for Hep C?

      Your regular healthcare provider can test and treat you for Hep C.

      If your healthcare provider can’t treat you, ask to be referred to a Hep C Specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, hepatologist, or infectious disease expert.

      FIND A HEP C SPECIALIST
  • When should I see a doctor about my Hep C infection?

      Right away because hepatitis C can be cured. The longer you wait, the more Hep C can harm your liver.

      Also, until you get Hep C treatment, you can spread the virus to your family and community.

      Doctor discussion guide
  • Do I need a Hep C specialist?

      Yes, to treat your Hep C, you'll need to find a healthcare provider such as a Hep C Specialist that is up to date on the latest scientific advances, including knowledge on the latest Hep C treatments.

      Hep C Specialists can include gastroenterologists, hepatologists, infectious disease doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

      Doctor discussion guide
  • What is the goal of Hep C treatment?

      The goal of Hep C treatment is to cure your Hep C.

      Until you are cured, Hep C could be damaging your liver and you could spread the virus to those around you.

      Cure means the Hep C virus is not detected in the blood when measured 3 months after treatment is completed.

      LEARN ABOUT TREATING HEP C
  • Is there a chance my body will just cure itself?

      Approximately 15% to 25% of people who get acute Hep C will not progress to chronic Hep C. These people are able to rid themselves of the virus without treatment.

      About 75% to 85% of people progress to chronic Hep C and can only get rid of the Hep C virus with a prescription treatment.

      Even if you think you were only recently infected, it's best to talk with a Hep C Specialist right away.

      FIND A HEP C SPECIALIST
  • Why should I treat my Hep C?

      Left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and even death.

      However, Hep C can be cured.

      Ask your healthcare provider about today’s Hep C treatments, which have cure rates of 95% or higher, without the harsh side effects of previous medicines.

      Cure means the Hep C virus is not detected in the blood when measured 3 months after treatment is completed.

      LEARN ABOUT TREATING HEP C
  • What Hep C treatments are available?

      There are several kinds of Hep C treatments available.

      Hep C treatments work in different ways and are not all the same.

      Most of today’s Hep C treatments are taken orally for 12 weeks or less.

      You and your healthcare provider should discuss which Hep C treatment option is best for you.

      SPEAK WITH A HEP C EDUCATOR

      Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246).

  • What are the most common side effects of Hep C treatment?

      Today’s Hep C treatments are not injections and do not have the harsh side effects of older medications.

      Common side effects of today's Hep C medications include headache and tiredness.

      Hep C treatment may affect how well other medicines work or cause additional side effects when combined.

      Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including birth control, antacids, and cholesterol treatments.

      LEARN ABOUT TREATING HEP C
  • Can you get Hep C more than once?

      Yes, today’s Hep C treatments have high cure rates but can’t protect you against future reinfection.

      Avoiding behaviors that lead to reinfection, such as sharing needles, is the smartest way to not get Hep C again.

      LEARN ABOUT TREATING AND RECOVERY
  • Where else can I find information on hepatitis C screening and treatment?

      Check out the latest recommendations about testing for Hepatitis C and Hep C treatments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

      The CDC recommends that all adults should get screened for Hep C.

      LEARN MORE FROM THE CDC

      The Hep C Hope Line is here to help.

      Call 1-844-9-HEPCHOPE (1-844-943-7246).

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