Testing for Hepatitis C Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Hepatitis C How I Was Cured of Hepatitis C The last thing James Myhre expected to hear was that he had hepatitis C. But with the right medication, he was cured of the virus. This is his story. By James MyhreFor My Health StoryMedically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD Reviewed: September 16, 2019 Everyday Health Blogs Medically Reviewed Many people with hepatitis C aren't aware that they've been infected.Thinkstock As a medical journalist, I thought I knew all about Even when my first blood tests revealed that my liver enzymes were elevated, it still never dawned on me that hepatitis C might be the cause. To me, the virus was spread by using drugs; I didn’t even drink alcohol. How could I possibly have become infected? How Misperceptions About Hepatitis C Can Boost the Infection Rates The mind does funny things when you are told you have hepatitis C. After learning that I had the infection, I felt something like shame, and maybe even a little defensiveness. At least that’s how I reacted when my doctor asked, “Have you ever injected drugs?”It’s true that today, injection drug use is the predominant mode of hepatitis C transmission in the United States. Approximately 53 percent of people who inject drugs also have hepatitis C, according to a review published in December 2017 in the journal But injecting drugs isn’t the only way to contract the virus, and that misperception is keeping people from being screened for the infection.“Perception plays a huge part in a person’s decision to test,” says Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health.See More NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Hepatitis C These Requirements Make It Harder for People With Hepatitis C to Be Treated Restrictions in Medicaid coverage can prevent people with hepatitis C from receiving treatment.By Maia Niguel Hoskin, PhDMarch 11, 2022 Can Curing Hepatitis C Improve Your Brain Health? The virus can cause problems such as brain fog, fatigue, and memory trouble. The good news: These cognitive problems can be reversed.By Jessica MigalaMarch 11, 2022 Hepatitis C Infections Are Rising Among Pregnant People A growing number of pregnant people are being diagnosed with hepatitis C amid a worsening opioid crisis — and a new study suggests that white and American...By Lisa RapaportDecember 9, 2021 Should You Take an At-Home Test for Hepatitis C? At-home testing for hepatitis C is becoming more widespread. Discover whether you should take a self-test and what you need to know about this new way...By Elizabeth YunDecember 8, 2021 7 Ways Hepatitis C Affects Your Skin A hepatitis C infection can not only damage your liver but also affect your skin. Learn how to manage the symptoms.By Elizabeth YunSeptember 8, 2021 8 Things People With Hepatitis C Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines Find out whether the COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people with hepatitis C, including those who have been diagnosed with cirrhosis.By Moira LawlerMay 6, 2021 7 Things to Do While You’re Waiting to Start Hep C Treatment Take these steps to shore up your diet, medication routine, and more.By Andrea PeirceMarch 9, 2021 5 Ways to Avoid Hepatitis C Reinfection Direct-acting antiviral medication can cure hepatitis C, but it can’t prevent you from catching the virus again. Here’s how to avoid contracting hep C...By Colleen de BellefondsDecember 3, 2020 How One Black Man Was Cured of Hep C, Despite Racial Bias How one Black man fought — and won — his battle with hepatitis C.By Maia Niguel Hoskin, PhDDecember 3, 2020 Hepatitis C Virus Treatable Thanks to Discovery of Nobel Winners The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was jointly awarded to three scientists who discovered the hepatitis C virus, a feat that paved the way...By Lisa RapaportOctober 13, 2020 More In My Health Story Questions You Should Ask Your GI When You're Diagnosed With Crohn's When Arachnophobia and MS Intersect Resources for New Moms Living With IBD Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges