How Will it Affect Me?
About 1 in 5 lucky people get rid of the hepatitis C virus by themselves within the first 6 months which is called an 'Acute hepatitis C infection'. We don't know why some people can do this but hopefully scientists will figure it out over time.
Most people (4 out of 5) can not get rid of the virus by themselves and carry it long term. This is called a 'Chronic hepatitis C infection'. Many will remain well for 10-20 years but unfortunately some people go on to develop serious damage to their liver called ‘cirrhosis' and liver cancer.
Figure - Source ' Hepatitis C: Essential Information for Professionals', 2005, Health Dept, Scottish Executive
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What are my chances? If you imagine a party or concert of 100 people then> About 20 people will clear (get rid of) the virus by themself (Acute infection). The other 80 people will carry the virus long term (chronic infection) with 60 of them developing some kind of liver damage.
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