Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs. 

Chronic Hepatitis C can result in serious, even life-threatening health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. People with chronic Hepatitis C can often have no symptoms and don’t feel sick. When symptoms appear, they often are a sign of advanced liver disease. It is the most common reason for liver transplantation in the United States. Hepatitis C can range from a mild illness, lasting a few weeks, to a serious, long-term illness.

There are two classifications of Hepatitis C: 

1. Acute:

   In this case, the infection is within 6 months of when a person is exposed to the HCV virus (a new infection.) This stage can be a short-term illness (lasting a few weeks), however, acute infection usually results in chronic infection for most people.

2. Chronic:

   If not treated, chronic Hepatitis C can become a lifelong infection. Chronic Hepatitis C can result in serious or potentially life-threatening health issues, such as liver damage, liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, and death. Hepatitis C is the most common cause for liver transplants in the US. Sometimes, a person with chronic Hepatitis C do not feel sick and do not present with noticeable symptoms. When symptoms become apparent, this may be the result of advanced liver disease.

The prevention of the transmission of Hepatitis C is best practiced through a safe lifestyle that avoids participation
in risky behavior that may lead to the spread of the infection, in particular the injection of drugs.

Getting tested for Hepatitis C is important, because treatments can cure most people with Hepatitis C in 8 to 12 weeks.

Source: CDC Website
For more information, statistics, resources, and links, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm