Frequently
Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to your questions about 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
Below are answers to some Hep C–related questions you might have right now.
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HEP C BASICS
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What is Hep C?
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Hep C is a serious virus that infects the liver and is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person.
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There are six main types of Hep C, each of which can cause severe and permanent liver damage if left untreated. But the good news is, all can be cured.
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How does someone get Hep C?
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Using drugs that involve needles or straws
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Using unsterilized tattoo equipment
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Having sex with a person infected with Hep C
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Sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes
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Receiving needlestick injuries in healthcare settings
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Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before
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Being born to a mother with Hep C
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What are the symptoms of Hep C?
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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.
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Either way, don’t wait for symptoms of Hep C to appear. By the time they do, your liver may be severely damaged.
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Click to see a full list of chronic Hep C symptoms you may experience once your liver has been damaged.
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How do I get a Hep C blood test?
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The simple, one-time Hep C blood test is covered by most private health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare plans, but testing for Hep C is not usually part of routine blood work.
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Call your healthcare professional before your next appointment to have the Hep C blood test added to your lab order.
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HEP C TREATMENT
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I just found out I have Hep C, now what?
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A Hep C diagnosis may feel overwhelming, and you might ask yourself, “What was the cause of my Hep C?”
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You are not alone.
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Hep C Educators are waiting to answer your questions, and connect you to the right Hep C treatment resources.
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Why should I treat my Hep C?
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Left untreated, chronic Hep C can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and even death.
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However, Hep C can be cured.
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Ask your healthcare professional 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.
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What Hep C treatments are available?
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There are several kinds of Hep C treatments available.
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Hep C treatments work in different ways and are not all the same.
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Most of today's Hep C treatments are taken by mouth for 12 weeks or less.
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You and your healthcare professional should discuss which Hep C treatment option is best for you.
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Or you can speak with a Hep C Educator who can answer your questions about Hep C treatments via the Hep C Hope Line, which is open 6 days a week and completely confidential.
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What are the most common side effects of Hep C treatment?
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Today’s Hep C treatments are not injections and do not have the harsh side effects of older medications.
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Common side effects of today’s Hep C medications include headache and tiredness.
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Most of today’s Hep C treatments are taken by mouth for 12 weeks or less.
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Hep C treatment may affect how well other medicines work or cause additional side effects when combined.
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Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take including birth control, antacids, and cholesterol treatments.
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Is there a chance my body will just cure itself?
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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.
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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.
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Even if you think you were only recently infected, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional right away.
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Where else can I find information on Hep C screening and treatment?
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Check out the latest recommendations about testing for Hep C and Hep C treatments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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The CDC recommends that all adults should get screened for Hep C.
The Hep C Hope Line is here to help.
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HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND COST
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What type of doctor should I see for Hep C?
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Your regular healthcare professional can test and treat you for Hep C.
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If your healthcare professional can’t treat you, ask to be referred to one who specializes in Hep C and is up to date on the latest scientific advances, including the latest Hep C treatments.
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Healthcare professionals who specialize in Hep C can include gastroenterologists, hepatologists, infectious disease doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
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How much does Hep C treatment cost?
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It may be more affordable than you think because Hep C treatments are covered by most private health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare plans.
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Your healthcare professional will work with your insurance company to identify your coverage and possible financial support options.
ASK ABOUT TREATMENT AFFORDABILITY
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