What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a virus that can damage the liver. Hepatitis C can be a silent infection, as many people don’t have any symptoms for years, or even decades. 2 out 5 people who have it don’t even know they have it.
Why is Testing Important?
Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have Hep C. Many people with hepatitis C don’t have any symptoms. If left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to serious liver damage, and even liver failure or liver cancer.
The CDC recommends that everyone get tested for Hep C at least once. Individuals at higher risk should get tested regularly. Those at higher risk of getting Hep C include:
- People who have used injectable drugs, even once
- People born to a person living with hepatitis C
- People who have unprotected sexual contact with someone living with Hep C
- People living with HIV
- People on long-term kidney dialysis
How To Get Tested
Getting tested for hepatitis C is easy and confidential. You can talk to your healthcare provider to find out where you can get tested in your area. Or connect with a care provider near you today.
What To Expect When Getting Tested
What if I Test Positive?
If you test positive for hepatitis C, know that you are not alone. More than 40,000 Hoosiers are living with Hep C. New treatments are available that can cure 95% of cases in 8–12 weeks with few side effects. Talk to your provider about treatment options. If you do not have a provider, connect with us, we can help you find a provider and treatment.
Does the Test Still Work if I’ve Had Hep C Before?
Once you have had Hep C once, you will always have antibodies in your blood. Because of this, antibody tests can come back “positive,” even if you don’t have an active infection. Currently hepatitis C rapid testing only tests for antibodies. This is why you will need a nucleic acid test (NAT) for HCV RNA to determine if the virus is currently in your blood.
Testing is free. The cure is easy.
Don’t let fear or stigma prevent you from getting tested for hepatitis C. Hep C is common and can affect anyone. Testing is important because it allows you to take control of your health and get the care you need to stay healthy. The Connect to Cure care coordinators can be with you from testing to cure.