Hep C/HCV (Hepatitis C) is a contagious, viral liver disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C can help prevent complications such as liver cancer and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
Hepatitis C can be either acute or chronic.
Acute HCV infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first six months after someone has been exposed to HCV. Most people with acute HCV infection get chronic HCV infection.
Chronic HCV infection is a long-term illness that occurs when HCV stays in a person's body. HCV infection can last a lifetime and lead to serious liver problems, including chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Symptoms
Most people who are infected with HCV have no symptoms; however, they can still infect other people. Individuals that are infected with HCV and become ill may have symptoms including loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, clay-colored stool, fever, or fatigue. Symptoms can be mild to severe.
People infected with HCV often have no symptoms and can live with an infection for decades without feeling sick.
How It Spreads
HCV is spread by coming in contact with the blood of someone else who is infected. People with HCV can spread it even if they have no symptoms.
People can be infected with HCV by sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment used to inject drugs; from needle-stick injuries; or being born to a HCV-positive mother. It can also be spread through sex or by sharing personal-care items.
HCV is NOT spread by casual contact or in typical school, office, or food-service settings. It is not spread by coughing, sneezing, hugging, holding hands, drinking out of the same glass, or sharing food.
Prevention
Do not inject or snort drugs. If you do use drugs, stop and get into a treatment program. Do not reuse or share needles, water, straws/bills, or works.(more)
Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal-care items. There may be blood on these items that contains HCV that you cannot see and could make you sick.
If you are a healthcare or public safety worker, always follow universal precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps.(more)
If you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing, go to a licensed body piercer or tattoo artist. Be sure that they do not reuse needles or inks.
There are prescription medications to treat hepatitis C. Talk to your healthcare provider about which medication is best for you. There are no vaccines to protect people from HCV.
Rhode Island Department of Health