Hepatitis C (HCV) is a common but entirely curable disease, yet it’s the leading cause of liver cancer if left untreated. According to the most recent data available, HCV causes more deaths in the U.S. than the 60 other reportable infectious diseases combined, except for COVID-19. While HCV was once viewed as mostly affecting baby boomers — those born between 1945 and 1965 — cases have been steadily rising across all adult age groups. So the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends HCV testing for everyone 18 and older, as well as anyone who is pregnant.

Fortunately, the test is quick and easy, and if you do test positive, there are new medications available to treat and even cure HCV, plus there are vaccines and treatments for hepatitis B and A.

What you need to know about hepatitis C, B, and A

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by one of five known viruses, with HCV and hepatitis B (HBV) being of greatest concern. Both HCV and HBV are leading causes of liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver transplants. More than half of those infected with HCV and HBV have no idea they have the virus, because they have virtually no symptoms until years or even decades after infection occurs. The number of HCV-related deaths increased every year from 2010 to 2013 but has been declining since 2014, thanks to efforts by the CDC to increase testing and treatment.

Hepatitis A (HAV) — typically a foodborne illness that is less common in the U.S. — is not chronic, can be eased with supportive treatment, and can be prevented with the combination hepatitis A and B vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for babies aged 6 to 11 months traveling outside the U.S., all kids aged 2 to 18, and any adults who want to be protected against the virus, especially patients with chronic liver disease or HIV.

Say yes to testing — and know your risk factors

Testing that leads to earlier treatment of hepatitis is key to avoiding the devastating health consequences of long-term, chronic HCV and HBV infection. For most patients, hepatitis is diagnosed based on routine blood work.

HCV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, and the most common risk factor in the U.S. is a history of intravenous drug use. But even sharing a razor, nail clippers or toothbrush with someone carrying the HCV virus can transmit it. And while HCV does not spread through kissing, coughing, or sneezing, you can get it from unprotected sex.

Regular HCV testing is recommended for certain at-risk populations, depending on health history and vocation, while those who live in areas where the prevalence of HCV infection is less than 0.1% may not need to be tested at all. Ask your care provider if either of these situations applies to you.

Three out of four people living with chronic HCV are baby boomers. While the CDC now recommends HCV testing for everyone 18 and older, as well as anyone who is pregnant, some older patients may have been exposed during blood transfusions in the 1970s and ’80s, before the medical community knew about the virus. While there is no vaccine to prevent HCV, it is curable.

Fortunately, there is a vaccine for HBV, which is also transmitted through the exchange of blood and other bodily fluids. The HBV vaccine is automatically given to most newborns in the U.S., and pregnant women are routinely screened for HBV because it can be passed from mother to child in the womb. If you were born in Asia, Southeast Asia or Africa, where HBV is more common, you are at the highest risk and should get tested.

Chronic hepatitis has few symptoms until liver damage occurs

Signs of advancing liver damage can be subtle: fatigue, weakness and mild memory loss (or a general “out of it” feeling). As the liver becomes more scarred and damaged from the inflammation, patients can experience overt confusion, an enlarged abdomen potentially filled with fluid, and a yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice, all of which may indicate cirrhosis, liver cancer, or the need for a transplant.

A new generation of treatments successfully manages and cures hepatitis

HCV medications are now available to effectively cure the infection. Unlike the older, injected medications, which had unpleasant side effects, these new medications come in pill form, are very well-tolerated, and have cure rates upwards of 95%.

Though hepatitis B cannot be easily cured, there are medications that effectively suppress the virus. HBV patients usually remain on this medication for the rest of their lives.

Patients should also know that, while the damage to the liver caused by hepatitis is similar to that caused by alcohol, it is not a result of drinking. However, patients with any liver disease are advised to stop consuming alcohol. Treatment reduces inflammation and prevents further scarring, but the liver may never fully return to normal, so it’s important to avoid toxins that could damage it further.

Montefiore Einstein: A leader in liver disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

Montefiore Einstein is committed to helping find the missing millions who don’t realize they’re infected. Hepatitis screening can save your life. If you have any of the risk factors for HCV or HBV discussed above, please reach out to your primary care doctor, or any medical system where you receive care, to request screening. For patients diagnosed with hepatitis, Montefiore Einstein’s Comprehensive Liver Program offers individualized treatment for all stages of the disease. Patients with advanced liver disease or cancer can take advantage of multiple therapeutic trials under way at Montefiore Einstein, as well as liver transplant evaluation.

Catching hepatitis early means less damage to the liver and a healthier life to come. To set up your hepatitis screening with a Montefiore Einstein primary care physician, call 1-800-636-6683. To learn more about Montefiore Einstein’s treatments for liver disease, please visit the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Liver Program website.