What is Hepatitis C?

This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, August 13, 2009.

Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. Within weeks to months of getting infected with hepatitis C, about 25% of people will become ill. The symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin).

Most people who get infected with hepatitis C feel quite healthy and have no symptoms but they can spread the infection to others. These other people can then become ill.

Hepatitis C is a concern because it can cause long term liver damage. The infection can cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and cancer of the liver.

How is Hepatitis C spread?

Sharing needles or other injection equipment is the most common way hepatitis C is spread from one person to another. Thirty percent (30%) of those who have ever used injection drugs have hepatitis C infection.

Blood and blood products can also contain hepatitis C. This was more common before June 1990. Since then, blood has to be screened for hepatitis C and now the chance of getting infected from blood is very low.

Sharing needles, ink or other bloody equipment for tattooing or body piercing.

Sharing razors, toothbrushes or nail scissors.

Needlestick injuries in health care workers.

Sexual spread can occur. The risk is greatest in those having a long-term sexual relationship with someone who is infected with hepatitis C. After 20 years in a long-term sexual relationship with someone who has hepatitis C, the risk of infection is about 2.5%.

Sexual spread can also occur if there is traumatic sexual intercourse, anal sexual intercourse or sex.