Hepatitis C can remain asymptomatic (show no symptoms) for decades. If diagnosed early, a person is able to make lifestyle changes that may help delay the onset of serious complications or undertake treatment to cure the disease.
The only way to know if you have ever had hepatitis C is to get a blood test, called a hepatitis C antibody test. This test looks for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. If you get infected, antibodies are released into your bloodstream. Antibodies stay in your bloodstream, even if you get rid of the virus.
