Chronic hepatitis C is a serious liver condition cause by the hepatitis C virus, a bloodborne pathogen. Approximately 80% of people who are exposed to hepatitis will develop chronic infection, which can progress over time to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. People who inject drugs may be exposed to hepatitis C due to sharing needles or preparation equipment, as well as through sexual contact. Acute cases of hepatitis C have been increasing over the last decade in conjunction with the rise in opioid use, particularly in younger people. There have also been significant improvements in treatment options for hepatitis C during this period, with a rate of ≥95% for commonly used regimens.

Although there is no vaccine or medication to prevent acquisition of hepatitis C, it can be treated with oral medications. Screening for hepatitis C is accomplished with blood test to assess for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus; active infection can then be confirmed with RNA testing.  The American Association for the Study of Liver Disease and Infectious Disease Society of America have realized joint guidelines to allow for treatment of most individuals with pan-genotypic regimens. Treatment can prevent and even reverse liver damage from hepatitis C infection and can help prevent transmission to others.