Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is most commonly spread through blood-to-blood contact, particularly through sharing needles.

Hepatitis C often causes no noticeable symptoms for years, meaning many people are unaware they are infected. Without treatment, chronic hepatitis C can cause progressive liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C antibody tests detect whether the immune system has ever responded to the virus, indicating past or current infection. A positive antibody test is followed by a confirmatory RNA test to determine if the infection is still active.

The good news is that hepatitis C is now curable. Direct-acting antiviral treatments, available on the NHS, can clear the virus in over 95% of cases.

Causes of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The primary route of transmission is blood-to-blood contact.

The most common ways people become infected include:

Sharing needles, syringes or other equipment for injecting drugs (the most common route in the UK)
Receiving blood transfusions or blood products before screening was introduced (1991 in the UK)
Medical procedures using unsterilised equipment, particularly in countries where infection control is less robust
Needlestick injuries
Tattooing or body piercing with unsterilised equipment

Sexual transmission is uncommon but can occur, particularly among men who have sex with men and those with HIV co-infection. Mother-to-child transmission is possible but occurs in only around 5% of pregnancies to HCV-positive mothers. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Tests that can help check this condition

Learn more on the official NHS page .