Hepatitis C is a bloodborne pathogen, so you can limit your chances of exposure through these healthy lifestyle practices:. However, since the early s, blood product screening tests have been standard protocol for minimizing the risk of this type of transmission. The CDC recommends universal screening for all individuals over 18 years of age and pregnant women during every pregnancy.
Subsequent testing and frequency of testing is based on risk. Talk to your doctor about your needs. Most of the FDA-approved treatments take 8 to 12 weeks to cure the virus, with the most recently approved drug, Mavyret, taking the lowest amount of time for the full treatment. Patients may be able to get the required HCV medications with assistance from private insurance companies, state Medicaid and Medicare plans, or the Veterans Administration.
These insurance programs usually require prior authorization before paying for these medications. They will also usually need criteria to be met, based upon the severity and progression of the disease as well as lifestyle factors and coexisting conditions that could contribute to liver damage. Recent research indicates that the antiviral drugs used for treating hepatitis C may have the additional benefit of helping to prevent serious complications of the virus, such as cirrhosis from chronic liver damage.
According to a study , hepatitis C could be diagnosed more effectively after the initial first evaluation step by utilizing reflex testing.
This type of testing involves automatically performing the second evaluation step if the first test step results are positive. A simple blood screening test can tell your healthcare provider whether you have antibodies against hepatitis C in your blood. A second test for the level of hepatitis C virus viral load will confirm the infection and quantify the amount of virus in your bloodstream. This could also help to reduce the amount of underdiagnosis in those who have acquired the hepatitis C virus.
Every case of hepatitis C begins as an acute infection. It occurs within the first 6 months after exposure. For many people, this stage of the virus has no symptoms. Chronic hepatitis C usually has no symptoms until it causes a large amount of liver scarring cirrhosis and other liver damage.
Over many years, the virus attacks the liver and causes damage. Adults are less likely to develop chronic hepatitis B.
Keep in mind that hepatitis B can be present for years before someone starts to show any symptoms. In most cases, a doctor will recommend monitoring your symptoms and getting regular blood tests to determine whether the virus is still in your body. While you recover, allow your body to rest and drink plenty of fluids to help your body fight off the infection. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen Advil , to help with any abdominal pain you have. See a doctor if your symptoms are severe or seem to be getting worse.
You may need to take a prescription antiviral medication to avoid potential liver damage. Like acute hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B may not require medical treatment to avoid permanent liver damage. In some patients, monitoring symptoms and getting regular liver tests is appropriate.
Antiviral medications can help to reduce symptoms and prevent liver damage. But they rarely completely get rid of the hepatitis B virus. Instead, the goal of treatment is to have the lowest viral load possible.
Viral load refers to the amount of a virus in a blood sample. Based on your results, your doctor may alter your medication dosage. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.
You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. You will also receive emails from Mayo Clinic on the latest health news, research, and care. The virus is passed from person to person through blood, semen or other body fluids. It does not spread by sneezing or coughing. The younger you are when you get hepatitis B — particularly newborns or children younger than 5 — the higher your risk of the infection becoming chronic.
Chronic infection may go undetected for decades until a person becomes seriously ill from liver disease. Hepatitis B spreads through contact with blood, semen or other body fluids from an infected person. Your risk of hepatitis B infection increases if you:. Having a chronic HBV infection can lead to serious complications, such as:. The hepatitis B vaccine is typically given as three or four injections over six months. You can't get hepatitis B from the vaccine. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. By using our site, you accept our digital privacy statement. Read our updated information about wearing a mask for your visit , and our visitor policy. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The viruses known as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are among the most common causes of this inflammation. There are two other known viral types, D and E, but they are rare.
Hepatitis can also be caused by other viruses, certain medications, some autoimmune conditions, and long-term, heavy use of alcohol. Hepatitis A often clears on its own without any treatment. Inflammation caused by hepatitis B or C may become chronic and lead to long-term liver damage and other complications.
Temporary inflammation is part of this response. But if inflammation persists for months or years, it can damage or even destroy liver cells. Liver damage can prevent the body from processing essential nutrients and from ridding the body of toxins. Without treatment, viral hepatitis can lead to scarring of the liver, also called cirrhosis, which interferes with liver function. Untreated hepatitis B or C can also lead to liver cancer. Hepatitis A, B, and C are each caused by a specific type of hepatitis virus.
All of these viruses are contagious.
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