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.