What Is Hepatitis C?

February 4, 2025

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that affects the liver, often with no noticeable symptoms for years. If left untreated, it can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.

At Metro Inclusive Health, we’ve been providing expert infectious disease care for over 30 years, ensuring that patients receive immediate access to testing, treatment, and support services—all under one roof.

The good news? Hepatitis C is curable with modern antiviral medications, offering over a 95% success rate.

Are Hep C Infections on the Rise?

Hepatitis C is a growing concern in the Tampa Bay area, with Hillsborough County reporting 123 cases per 100,000 people, one of Florida’s highest rates. Despite available treatments and free testing options, the infection rate nearly tripled between 2019 and 2020, highlighting an urgent need for increased awareness and intervention throughout the entire Tampa Bay region.

How Do You Get Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C spreads through blood-to-blood contact, which can occur in the following ways:

Sharing needles or syringes during drug use
Receiving a blood transfusion before 1992, before improved screening methods were introduced
Unsterilized tattoo supplies or piercings
Needlestick injuries in healthcare settings
Through sexual contact
Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth (less common)

What Doesn’t Spread Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing, sharing food, or drinking from the same glass.

What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis C?

Most people with Hepatitis C don’t experience symptoms for years. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Fatigue
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Dark urine
Nausea and vomiting
Joint pain
Loss of appetite

If you experience these symptoms or believe you’ve been exposed to Hepatitis C, getting tested is crucial.

Is Hepatitis C Curable?

Yes! Thanks to advancements in medicine, over 95% of Hepatitis C cases can be cured with antiviral medications in just 8–12 weeks. These treatments are well-tolerated and highly effective.

The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome for your liver health.

Where Can I Get a Free Hepatitis C Test?

At Metro Inclusive Health, we offer:

Free and confidential Hepatitis C testing
Walk-in availability—no appointment needed
Rapid results so you can take action quickly

Nine Convenient Locations Across Tampa Bay:

📍 Downtown St. Pete
📍 South St. Pete
📍 North St. Pete
📍 Central Avenue
📍 Seminole Heights
📍 Fletcher Avenue
📍 Brandon
📍 Clearwater
📍 New Port Richey

👉 Find a location near you!

What Happens If I Test Positive for Hepatitis C?

If your test is positive, Metro Inclusive Health will support you every step of the way by providing:

Confirmatory testing to verify results
Access to specialist care for personalized treatment plans
Financial assistance through our Copay It Forward™ program to ensure cost isn’t a barrier
Ongoing support through testing, treatment, and recovery

FAQs

❓ Can Hepatitis C go away on its own?
👉 Infrequently, but most cases become chronic and require treatment.

❓ How long does treatment take?
👉 Most people are cured within 8–12 weeks with antiviral medications.

❓ Do I need insurance to get tested at METRO?
👉 No! Testing at METRO is always free.