Hepatitis C can be referred to as a “silent killer” because you can have it for years without knowing—until it’s too late. For many Black Americans, this hidden danger increases the risk of liver disease and cancer.
It is a severe viral infection that attacks the liver and often goes undetected for years. Without treatment, hepatitis C can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and is known to be a leading cause of liver cancer in the United States.
How Hepatitis C is Transmitted
Often, the virus spreads through contact with infected blood. This can include:
- The reuse or inadequate sterilization of medical equipment (like syringes and needles in healthcare settings)
- The transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products
- Sharing needles or injection equipment from drug use
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Most people newly infected with hepatitis C don’t experience symptoms at first. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Fever
- Feeling very tired
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal page
- Dark urine
- Joint pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
An estimated 4 million Americans are living with hepatitis C, and many remain unaware of their infection. Unfortunately, Black Americans experience higher hepatitis C-related death rates than the overall population. According to the CDC, in 2023, the hepatitis C-related death rate among non-Hispanic Black individuals was 4.03 per 100,000—much higher than the general population rate of 2.52.
What Are the Best Treatment Options?
Timely screening and access to medical care are crucial in reversing this trend. Today, hepatitis C is highly curable with new oral medications—like Direct-acting antivirals (DAA).
This medication is highly effective and generally well-tolerated. These medications have significantly improved success rates, often curing hepatitis C in as little as eight to twelve weeks with fewer side effects compared to older treatments.
The exact treatment plan varies depending on the hepatitis C genotype, the amount of liver damage, previous treatments, and other health conditions.
How Often Should You Get Tested for Hep C?
The CDC now recommends that all adults aged 18 and older get tested for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime. However, every pregnant woman should be tested during each pregnancy. And those with ongoing risk factors (like injection drug use) should be tested periodically.
Early detection saves lives. But a few essential steps could improve survival rates for hepatitis C, including lowering or eliminating costs, reducing barriers (such as prior authorization requirements), providing culturally competent public health campaigns, and integrating hepatitis C testing and treatment into routine primary care.
Implementing these changes can save lives, reduce disparities, and help prevent high death rates in Black communities.
Don’t let hepatitis C remain a silent killer. Know your risk, get tested, and spread the word. To determine if you should be tested, take this hepatitis C risk assessment and consult with your healthcare provider.
Resources
World Health Organization: Hepatitis C: Key Facts
World Health Organization: Hepatitis C: Fact Sheet
Hepvu Testing Day Toolkit
CDC: Hepatitis C Virus – Reduce Deaths Among Non-Hispanic Black Persons
CDC: Clinical Care of Hepatitis C
CDC: Clinical Screening and Diagnosis of Hepatitis C
