When you hear hepatitis C, a viral infection that attacks the liver and can lead to serious long-term damage. Also known as HCV, it often shows no symptoms for years, which is why so many people don’t know they have it until their liver is already harmed. Unlike hepatitis A or B, hepatitis C doesn’t usually go away on its own. Left untreated, it can cause cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer.
It spreads mostly through blood-to-blood contact—sharing needles, unsterile medical equipment, or less commonly, through unprotected sex or from mother to child during birth. It’s not spread by casual contact like hugging, kissing, or sharing food. Many people got infected decades ago from blood transfusions before screening became standard. Today, the biggest risk is still injection drug use, but new cases are dropping thanks to better awareness and effective treatments.
Direct-acting antivirals, modern oral medications that cure over 95% of hepatitis C cases in just 8 to 12 weeks have changed everything. Drugs like sofosbuvir and daclatasvir don’t need injections, have far fewer side effects than old-school interferon, and can clear the virus even in people with advanced liver disease. But these meds only work if you know you’re infected. That’s why testing matters—especially if you were born between 1945 and 1965, got a blood transfusion before 1992, or ever used injected drugs.
Living with hepatitis C doesn’t mean you’re doomed. Many people manage it well, especially with early treatment. Avoiding alcohol, staying up to date on hepatitis A and B vaccines, and eating a liver-friendly diet can help protect what’s left of your liver. Even if you’ve had damage, treatment can stop it from getting worse.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides that connect directly to what matters: how hepatitis C interacts with other conditions, what medications are used, how it affects daily life, and what to watch out for. From drug interactions to liver health tips, these posts give you the facts without the fluff. No guesses. No hype. Just clear info that helps you understand what’s happening—and what to do next.
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