Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. It’s spread through contact with blood from an infected person. For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness, but for many others, it’s a long-term, chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C can result in serious, even life-threatening health problems like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends testing anyone with risks for hepatitis C infection. Getting tested for hepatitis C is important, as treatments can cure most people with hepatitis C in eight to 12 weeks.