MYTH:
If hepatitis C were really harming my health, I would have symptoms.

FACT:

Symptoms of hepatitis C are often mild or absent altogether—80% of people with
hepatitis C have no signs or symptoms of the disease —but liver damage can occur
with or without hepatitis C symptoms.

MYTH:
If I had hepatitis C, I would know how I got it. Only people who have a history of risky
behavior need to be tested.

FACT:

30% of people with chronic hepatitis C don't know how they got it. Anyone who wants testing
and information should have the opportunity to get it.

MYTH:
Since hepatitis C is a long-term condition, treatment will be just as effective if I wait until
later to start.

FACT:

Studies have found that heptatitis C patients who are treated before liver damage occurs
may respond better to treatment.

MYTH:
Hepatitis C is not as common as HIV.

FACT:

HCV now infects more than 4 times more Americans than HIV.

MYTH:
Only people who use drugs on a long-term basis are at high risk for hepatitis C.

FACT:

IV drug use, even once or a few times many years ago, is a major risk factor for hepatitis C.

MYTH:
The side effects of prescription treatment are worse than the disease itself.

FACT:

Though side effects of treatment can be challenging, many patients find them tolerable.
Also, serious side effects do not occur in everybody.

MYTH:
If my liver enzymes are normal, my disease is under control.

FACT:

Although these are often tested and can be useful in many situations, liver enzyme levels
alone are not considered an accurate test of the progression of your condition.

MYTH:
If the level of the hepatitis C virus in my blood is low, my disease is not so bad.

FACT:

Viral load alone does not give a clear picture of the progression of the disease and the
health of your liver.