3.5 million people are estimated to have HCV and only half are aware of their status. Hepatitis C is an infection that can cause chronic inflammation of the liver, which can potentially lead to liver damage. This infection does result from the hepatitis C virus and can lead to an acute infection or a chronic infection.
Hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles, syringes or from mother to child. Some people may experience an acute infection that can resolve on its own while others develop a long-term chronic infection. Typically the younger the person the more likely their chances are of developing a chronic infection. 90% of infected infants become chronically infected compared to only 2%-6% of adults.