Table of Contents
Is it possible to get HCV and then spontaneously clear it?
Is it possible for someone to become infected with HCV and then spontaneously clear the infection? Yes. Approximately 15\%–25\% of people clear the virus from their bodies without treatment and do not develop chronic infection; the reasons for this are not well known.
What is the prevalence of chronic HCV infection in the US?
What is the prevalence of chronic HCV infection in the United States? An estimated 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C virus infection ( 1 ). Who is at risk for HCV infection? The following people are at increased risk for HCV infection:
Does prior infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) protect against later infection?
Prior infection with HCV does not protect against later infection with the same or different genotypes of the virus. This is because people infected with HCV typically have an ineffective immune response due to changes in the virus during infection.
Does HCV infection protect you from future genotypes of the virus?
Yes. Prior infection with HCV does not protect against later infection with the same or different genotypes of the virus. This is because people infected with HCV typically have an ineffective immune response due to changes in the virus during infection.
How many new HCV infections occur annually in the United States?
Additional guidance on viral hepatitis surveillance and case management is available. How many new HCV infections occur annually in the United States? In 2017, a total of 3,216 cases of acute hepatitis C were reported to CDC. After adjusting for under-ascertainment and under-reporting, an estimated 44,700 acute hepatitis C cases occurred in 2017.
What is the HCV antibody test?
The HCV antibody test, sometimes called the anti-HCV test, looks for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in blood. Antibodies are chemicals released into the bloodstream when someone gets infected. Test results can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to come back.