References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that attacks the liver. It spreads mainly through blood-to-blood contact, most commonly through sharing injecting equipment. Many people have no symptoms for years, allowing the virus to damage the liver silently. The breakthrough news is that hepatitis C is now curable in over 95% of cases with modern treatment.
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Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cause | Hepatitis C virus (HCV) |
| Main transmission | Sharing injecting equipment |
| Sexual transmission | Possible, especially MSM with HIV |
| Vaccine | None |
| Cure | Over 95% with direct-acting antivirals |
| Treatment duration | 8-12 weeks of tablets |
| Cost on NHS | Free |
Symptoms
Most people have no symptoms. When they occur:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (late sign)
Who Should Test
- Anyone who has ever injected drugs
- People with HIV
- MSM
- People from high-prevalence countries
- Anyone with unexplained liver problems
Prevention
- Never share injecting equipment
- Use needle exchange programmes
- Condoms reduce sexual transmission risk
- No vaccine currently available
Read more: Hepatitis C testing | HCV survival | Hepatitis B and C
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hepatitis C curable?
Yes — modern treatment cures over 95%.
How do I get tested?
Blood test at a clinic, GP or via home kit.
Is treatment free?
Yes on the NHS.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Can You Die From Hepatitis B?
- What Is Hepatitis A?
- What Is Hepatitis B?
- Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test Explained
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
