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Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection spread mainly through blood. It often causes no symptoms for years but is now curable with modern antiviral tablets.
Causes & risk factors
- Hepatitis C virus spread through blood
- Sharing needles or unsterile equipment
- Unscreened blood transfusions (mainly in the past)
- Unsterile medical, tattoo or piercing equipment
- Less commonly, from mother to baby or through sex
Common symptoms
- Tiredness (often the only sign)
- Joint or muscle aches
- Nausea
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Jaundice in some cases
Tests & diagnosis
- Hepatitis C antibody test
- Hepatitis C RNA (viral load)
- Liver function test (LFT)
- Liver ultrasound / fibroscan
Treatment & management
- Modern antiviral tablets can cure most people
- A short course, usually 8-12 weeks
- Regular monitoring of the liver
- Avoiding alcohol to protect the liver
- Safe practices to prevent reinfection
When to see a doctor urgently
- Known exposure to infected blood — get tested
- Jaundice, confusion or vomiting blood — urgent care
- Persistent tiredness with abnormal liver tests
- A previous risk (old transfusion, needle sharing)
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about hepatitis c. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is hepatitis C really curable now?
Yes. Modern antiviral tablets cure most people in a few months. Getting tested is the key first step.
Can I catch it again after cure?
Being cured does not make you immune, so avoiding future exposure to infected blood is important to prevent reinfection.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.