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Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

Identified in 1989

Responsible for 90% of non-A, non-B hepatitis cases following blood transfusion prior to 1989

HCV is a viral infection carried in the blood

There are six genotypes and more than 100 subtypes of HCV identified.

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Incubation Period | Average 2-26 weeks

Acute Illness | Mild acute illness is seen in less than 25 % of infected people

Chronic Infection | 70-80% of people progress to chronic infection.

Death from Chronic Liver Disease, Disease from liver damage, and Cancer of the Liver | 1-5% of infected people per year.

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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) can occur in 20-30% of those infected. Other general symptoms such as uneasiness, loss of appetite, pain in the stomach area, dark urine and fatigue can be seen in 10-20% of those infected.

About 70-80% of people show no signs or symptoms of infection.

About 20-30% or individuals who are infected with acute Hep C will recover without treatment.

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Exposure to blood or blood products infected with HCV

An infected mother can pass the infection to her newborn child (vertical transmission).

Sexual transmission is a rare event, but can happen in the presence of blood.

Household transmission through sharing of razors, toothbrushes, scissors and nail clippers is possible.

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Recipients of blood, tissues, or organs prior to 1990 | High
Recipients of blood clotting factors (e.g. Factor VIII) prior to 1992 | High
Injection Drug Users | High
People who 'snort' drugs | High
Hemodialysis patients | Medium
People getting tattoos and body piercings with tools that are not sterile (e.g. in prison) | Medium
People who have sex with a Hep C carrier | Medium
Babies born to Hep C infected mothers | Low
Health Care Workers | Low

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If your job regularly exposes you to blood or blood products from others, try to protect yourself with gloves to reduce the risk of the spread of viruses.

If you use injection drugs, ensure you use clean, sterile needles. Sharing needles, syringes or other drug-use equipment with others can put you at risk of infection.

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Advances in Medications to Treat Hepatitis C

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Advances in Medications to Treat Hepatitis C

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Recent advances in the number and types of medications available to treat Hepatitis C give you and your doctor more options to consider when deciding on a treatment plan.  These advances have made treatment regimens shorter in duration, less difficult to tolerate and more effective. Hepatitis C is treated with antiviral medications. In some people, newer medicines can eradicate the virus.