Hepatitis C occurs when a patient contracts the hepatitis C virus, an infectious disease that causes chronic inflammation of the liver. Early onset HCV infection often displays no to very mild symptoms (i.e., abdominal cramps, yellowing skin, fever, and dark colored urine), which is why many people infected with hep C have no idea. Hep C eventually causes permanent liver damage, such as cirrhosis, if untreated.

Research from the World Health Organization estimates that there are approximately 71 million individuals living with hepatitis C, or hep C, globally. Here are a few of the common misconceptions associated with hep C:

1. Hepatitis C isn’t a death sentence
While cirrhosis of the liver can occur if hepatitis C is left untreated over the long term. Research from the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that a mere 25% of hep C patients suffer fatal liver damage. Rather, the majority of patients with hep C are diagnosed early and live healthy lives with treatment.

2. Hepatitis C occurs in many subtypes
Regardless of popular belief, hep C occurs in several different infection types. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes HCV in the following genotypes:

• HCV genotype 1 is the most common among North Americans
• HCV genotype 2 is prevalent globally
• HCV genotype 3 is common worldwide
• HCV genotype 4 is prevalent in Northern Africa
• HCV genotype 5 exists largely in South Africa
• HCV genotype 6 is most common in Asia

3. Hepatitis C isn’t just transmitted via sex
You may assume hep C is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) only transmitted via sexual intercouse with an infected partner. However, while HCV may be contracted through intimate contact with semen and blood, the more common ways hep C is contracted is via:

• Unsanitary medical equipment (i.e., dialysis)
• Unclean needles
• Unsterilized tattoo needle or piercing equipment

4. Hepatitis C doesn’t affect mostly teenagers
While many folks associated hep C with younger generations, the main age group affected by this infection is those born between the years 1945 and 1965. In fact, according to research from the Fox Chase Cancer Center, those born during the baby boomer generation are at 5 times greater risk of a hepatitis C diagnosis compared to any other generation.