What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). 

HCV is mainly in blood but it also gets into liver cells. This can cause inflammation and scarring in the liver. 

The scarring is called fibrosis when it is mild and cirrhosis when it is more serious. Serious scarring makes it difficult for the liver to work well.

Usually, it takes many years before HCV causes liver damage, but sometimes this can happen more quickly.

HIV increases the risk and rate of liver damage from HCV. 

HCV drugs (DAAs) have the potential to prevent (and sometimes partially reverse) serious fibrosis and cirrhosis. They can cure HCV in nearly everyone.

As more people are diagnosed and treated, HCV will become much more rare.

Last updated: 1 November 2024.