Hep C/HCV
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 Tips
There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C (HCV). The best way to prevent getting hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can help spread the disease, including:
- Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug use supplies like water, nasal tubes such as straws, or works. Get free sterile needles and other drug use supplies at a local harm reduction organization.
- Sharing 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.
- Always following universal precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps if you are a healthcare or public safety worker.
- Going to a licensed body piercer or tattoo artist if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. Be sure that they do not reuse needles or inks.
- Using a condom every time you have sex. Learn more and get free condoms by mail from RIDOH or at locations statewide.
If you are infected with the HCV: - Get hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations to protect your liver from these infections.
- Do not donate your blood, body organs, tissue, or sperm.
- Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal-care items that might have contaminated blood on them.
- Cover your cuts and open sores.
- Use a sterile needle or straw each time you inject or snort drugs. Click here, to learn more about how to prevent harmful mistakes during drug use.
- Use a condom every time you have sex. Click here to learn about safer sex practices.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your sex partner getting tested for HCV.
- Get hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations to protect your liver from these infections.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
Testing & Diagnosis
Contact your primary care physician, contact another provider offering HCV testing, or go to a state-funded HCV testing site for a rapid test. Visit the Hep C testing services page to find testing options.
Treatment
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.
Resources
Reports, Surveillance
- HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis Surveillance Report (2023)
- HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis Surveillance Report (2022)
- HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis Surveillance Report (2021)
- HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis Surveillance Report (2020)
- HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis Surveillance Report (2019)