Quick Answer
Hepatitis C is now curable in >95% of cases with 8-12 weeks of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medication. Unlike older interferon-based treatments, DAAs have minimal side effects and cure the infection permanently.
- DAAs: sofosbuvir-velpatasvir (Epclusa), glecaprevir-pibrentasvir (Mavyret)
- Duration: 8-12 weeks of daily pills
- Efficacy: >95% sustained virologic response (cure)
- Side effects: minimal compared to older interferon regimens
Context Most Pages Skip
The hepatitis C cure is one of the greatest medical achievements of the 21st century. A disease that was chronic and progressive is now curable with a short course of pills.
The Challenge
The cure exists. The challenge is finding the ~50% of carriers who do not know they have it. The CDC recommends one-time hepatitis C screening for all adults.
⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.
Sources & Further Reading
- CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections
- CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
- WHO — Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet
- MedlinePlus — Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.