What is acute Hep C?
There is no generally accepted definition of acute hepatitis C
infection but as soon as the virus has found its way into your body
and become established as a viral infection the disease is said to
be in the ACUTE, or short term stage. A positive Hepatitis C
RNA (PCR) test is needed to confirm that you have an
established viral infection.
During this stage there is a greater chance that your own immune
system may be able to fight off the infection to clear you of
Hepatitis C. Around 1 in 5 people clear the virus this way, most
frequently within the first 6 months of becoming infected.
If you are unable to clear Hepatitis C and the virus remains
detectable in your body (positive Hepatitis C
RNA (PCR) test) after 6 months, you would generally be
referred to as having a long term chronic Hepatitis C
infection.