What is chronic Hep C?

If you have an ongoing infection with Hepatitis C beyond the acute stage of the disease, you have what is called a chronic Hepatitis C infection.

This would be confirmed by a positive Hepatitis C RNA (PCR) test. If your immune system does not naturally destroy the Hepatitis C virus within 6 months of becoming infected, the disease enters the CHRONIC or long term stage. Doctors can find out if you have reached this stage through a series of tests. It takes six months to be sure that you still have the virus in your system. If your infection is considered to be in the chronic stage, it is worth talking about treatment with your doctor or Hepatitis C specialist.