Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the blood-borne hepatitis C virus. Currently, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C is a serious disease that can result in long-term health problems, and even death. 

How can hepatitis C be transmitted?

• Injection drug use (currently the most common means of transmission in the U.S.)
• Needlestick injuries in health care settings
• Birth to an infected mother
• Much less often, hepatitis C can spread through:
  • Sex with an HCV-infected person
  • Sharing personal items contaminated with infectious blood, such as razors or toothbrushes
  • Unregulated tattooing

Testing & Treatment

The Center for Recovery & Support provides testing to determine if you are infected with hepatitis C. Testing is available on a walk-in basis during normal business hours.

You should get tested if you are:

• A person currently or used to inject drugs
• A person with HIV infection
• Exposed to hepatitis C

Hepatitis C can be treated and cured with oral medication in as little as 8 weeks. Hepatitis C treatment is available through our Center for Recovery & Support and by prescription at our Holyoke and Chicopee pharmacies. For more information about hepatitis C treatment, talk to your provider or a member of our Center for Recovery & Support team, or call us.

Additional Resources

• hhs.gov/hepatitis
• CDC.gov