According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are more than 2 million people in the United States living with chronic hepatitis C. In many cases, hepatitis C does not have noticeable symptoms, so people may not know they have it until there is serious damage to the liver.

Hepatitis C(opens in a new tab) is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Untreated, hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. Chronic hepatitis C is one of the leading causes of liver cancer.

If a person has symptoms of hepatitis C infection, they may experience jaundice – yellowing of the skin – fatigue, nausea, fever and muscle aches. Some people are able to clear the infection without treatment, but if the virus is not cleared, symptoms of liver damage can show up years later. 

But the good news is, hepatitis C can be cured, and the test for hep C is quick and easy. You can get tested for hepatitis C by making an appointment at Allies(opens in a new tab) or by visiting one of our free testing sites(opens in a new tab). You’ll get results in about 20 minutes.

“All adults 18 and older should get tested for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime,” said Jacque Derubbo, senior director of clinical services at Allies for Health + Wellbeing. “If you have ongoing risk factors, like a history of injection drug use, you should be tested on a regular basis. Anyone who is pregnant should get screened for hep C during every pregnancy.'

If you do have hepatitis C, treatment is daily pills taken for a few weeks. There are minimal side effects, and hepatitis C can be cured in about 95% of all cases.

Don’t wait until you have symptoms to get tested. Hepatitis C can be cured, but you can’t get treated if you don’t get tested. If you are an adult who has not been tested for hepatitis C, or if you believe you have been exposed to hepatitis C or have symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about testing. 

Allies for Health + Wellbeing offers testing and treatment for hepatitis C at its office at 211 N. Whitfield St. in East Liberty. You can also visit our outreach locations for free testing. Each Sunday, staff from Prevention Point Pittsburgh are at Allies to offer clean works and other services for people who use injection drugs. Testing from Allies’ staff usually is available at that time.