Frequently
Asked
Questions

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.