HealthyMD

what is hepatitis c?

Hepatitis C is a specific pathogen, or virus, that results in acute and chronic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). Though it can only be transmitted through contact with infected blood, Hepatitis C is the cause of severe liver disease in millions of people globally.

If you think you may have or have been exposed to
Hepatitis C, we urge you to get tested.

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What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Hepatitis C typically develop in a 2-12 week window after 
exposure to the virus. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
  • yellow skin or eyes
  • loss of appetite
  • joint pain
  • upset stomach
  • fever

Many people who are newly infected do not exhibit symptoms and therefore do not know they have the virus.

HOW HEPATITIS C IS TREATED:

ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS

Hepatitis C must be treated with antiviral medications—not antibiotics. Antibiotics are only successful treatment options for bacteria-caused infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. The antiviral medications work by stopping the Hepatitis C virus from making more copies of itself. Consult a healthcare professional to find a treatment plan that works for you.

TALK TO A PROFESSIONAL

We know Hepatitis C can be difficult to talk about, but we also know it’s important to have those conversations. With your privacy and comfort top of mind, our trusted healthcare professionals are here to guide you every step of the way. HealthyMD provides comprehensive free* healthcare services in the community through our in-clinic and mobile clinic locations.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Hepatitis C is a chronic infectious disease that can lead to irreversible liver damage, cirrhosis, and death. You may be feeling scared and overwhelmed. Treatment consists of antiviral medications which can stop the virus from making more copies of itself and help your immune system fight it off.

Yes, you can be infected with Hepatitis C more than once. This means individuals who have recovered from a Hepatitis C (HCV) infection do not develop immunity and can therefore be reinfected if exposed again. Reinfection means the virus reappears after it was previously cleared from the body.

If you are diagnosed with both infections, it is possible to treat both simultaneously. Consult a healthcare professional to find a treatment plan that works for you.

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