Hepatitis C: What to test for, how treatment works, and what to do next
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that quietly damages the liver for years before symptoms show. Good news: modern treatment cures most people. This page gives clear steps for testing, what to expect from treatment, and simple daily tips to protect your liver.
How you get it and when to test
The virus spreads through blood. Common risks are sharing needles, unsterile tattoos or piercings, long-ago blood transfusions (before screening started), and some health‑care exposures. Sex and casual contact are low risk unless there’s blood involved. If you have any risk factors or unexplained liver enzyme tests, get screened.
Testing starts with a quick antibody blood test. If that’s positive, your doctor will order an HCV RNA test to check for active infection and measure viral load. Genotype testing used to be routine; now many clinics use pan‑genotype tests and choose treatment based on other factors. Ask your clinic what tests they’ll run—knowing if the virus is active is the key first step.
Treatment today and what to expect
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are oral pills taken for 8–12 weeks in most people. These drugs target the virus directly and cure over 90–95% of patients with few side effects. Common regimens you might hear about include combinations like sofosbuvir-based or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir—your clinician will pick the right one for you.
Before treatment, clinics check liver health (blood tests and sometimes a scan or fibrosis test). During treatment you’ll have follow-up bloodwork and an HCV RNA test 12 weeks after finishing therapy to confirm cure. Even after cure, people with advanced liver damage need ongoing care and screening for complications like liver cancer.
Thinking about buying meds online? Use licensed pharmacies only and confirm prescriptions with a doctor. Our site covers safe online pharmacy options and tips to avoid fakes, but your prescriber should manage tests and follow-up.
Simple everyday steps help your liver recover: avoid alcohol, check all medications and supplements with your doctor, keep vaccinations up to date (hepatitis A and B), and don’t share needles or personal items that could carry blood. If you’re in a treatment program for substance use, tell your provider—there are supportive services and integrated care options.
If you’re worried you might have been exposed, don’t wait. Testing is quick, confidential, and the treatments now are highly effective. Find a local clinic, community health center, or trusted online resource to get screened and start the path to a cure.