Hepatitis C: About
Get the facts about Hepatitis C. Watch the video from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus. Today, most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness but for 70%–85% of people who acquired hepatitis C, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection.
Chronic hepatitis C is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, even death.
The majority of people living with hepatitis C might not be aware of their infection because they do not have symptoms of being ill.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injecting drugs.
The following are links to detailed information about populations at risk for getting hepatitis C.
Persons with Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Viral Hepatitis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men