Hepatitis C is a disease that damages your liver. It can cause major health problems. You can even die from it. And you might not even know you have it. Hepatitis C is caused by the HCV virus. This virus spreads from person to person through blood. You’re at risk for hepatitis C if infected blood enters your body. Are you at risk for hepatitis C? If so, get tested.
Get Tested if:
- You’ve ever shot drugs, even once.
- You’ve shared needles, syringes, cotton, spoons, water, or other works.
- You received blood or had an organ transplant before 1992.
- You received clotting factors made before 1987.
- You’ve ever had kidney dialysis.
- Your doctor has found higher than normal levels of liver enzymes in your blood.
Other Possible Risks
Ask about getting tested if:
- You may have had contact with infected blood at your job.
- You've had unprotected sex (sex without a condom) with someone who may be infected.
- You've shared personal items, such as a toothbrush or a razor, with someone who may be infected.
- You have tattoos or body piercings.
