About one in four people who become infected with hepatitis C will get rid of the virus naturally. However, most people who become infected will have the virus for a long time.

People with long-term infection are at risk of developing severe liver damage (cirrhosis) after many years. Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer or liver failure. There is effective treatment available that can prevent this.

There are lifestyle changes that can help reduce the effects of the virus and groups that can offer emotional support. Look through the pages to the left for more information.