Hepatitis C cure journey in children

Overview

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. In children, it can be cured with medication. Cure means the virus is no longer found in the blood and the liver can heal.

Hepatitis C is not common in children. In the UK, it is rare because blood products are screened. Most children who have it got it from their mother at birth.

It mainly affects children who were exposed to the virus at birth from a mother with hepatitis C. It can also affect children who received a blood transfusion before blood screening was introduced, or who came into contact with infected blood through needles or injuries.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Pain in the upper right side of the belly
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Symptoms in children

• Many children have no symptoms at all.
• Some children may be more tired than usual.
• Some may have poor appetite or slow growth.
• Mild belly discomfort may occur.

Symptoms in older adults

• Similar to children, but older adults are more likely to feel tired or have joint pain.
• They may have swelling in the legs or belly if liver damage has occurred.

Causes

Main causes

• The hepatitis C virus spreads through blood-to-blood contact.
• In children, the most common way is from mother to baby during childbirth.
• Rarely, it can spread from contaminated needles, medical equipment, or blood products.

Risk factors

• Being born to a mother with hepatitis C
• Receiving a blood transfusion before 1992 (when screening began)
• Living in a country where hepatitis C is more common
• Sharing personal items like toothbrushes or razors that might have blood on them

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has any of the emergency symptoms listed above.
• If your child develops jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) suddenly.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you know your child was exposed to hepatitis C (for example, you have hepatitis C or your child had a blood transfusion before screening).
• If your child has ongoing tiredness, poor growth, or belly pain that doesn't go away.

Diagnosis

Hepatitis C is diagnosed with a simple blood test. First, a test looks for antibodies (proteins your body makes to fight the virus). If that is positive, another test checks for the virus itself.

Tests that may be done

• Antibody blood test (shows if your child was ever exposed to the virus)
• PCR test (checks if the virus is still present in the blood)
• Liver function tests (blood tests to see how well the liver is working)
• Sometimes an ultrasound of the liver (a picture test) or a liver biopsy (a tiny sample of liver tissue) to check for damage

What to expect at your appointment

If the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will refer your child to a specialist (a paediatric hepatologist or infectious disease doctor). They will do more tests to check the liver's health and then plan treatment. Treatment is usually straightforward and given as pills.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. For children, this means taking oral medications (pills or liquid) that directly attack the virus. These are called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Treatment lasts 8 to 12 weeks and cures over 90% of children.

Self-care at home

• Make sure your child takes all doses of medication exactly as prescribed.
• Encourage a healthy diet and plenty of rest during treatment.
• Avoid giving your child any alcohol (even small amounts) during treatment.
• Keep up with all medical appointments and blood tests.

Medical treatments

A course of oral antiviral medications is prescribed by a specialist. The choice of medicine depends on the child's age, weight, and the type of hepatitis C. Treatment is well tolerated, with few side effects. Do not use any over-the-counter medicines without checking with your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for hepatitis C. In very rare cases where the liver has been severely damaged, a liver transplant may be considered, but this is extremely rare in children. Cure of the virus is always attempted first.

Living with this condition

Children with hepatitis C can go to school, play, and do all normal activities. There is no need to isolate them. Just take simple steps to avoid blood contact – cover any cuts with a bandage, and don't share toothbrushes or razors.

Lifestyle tips

• Encourage good hand washing.
• Make sure your child gets all recommended vaccinations (including hepatitis A and B).
• Teach your child (as they get older) not to share needles or personal items that might have blood.

Diet and exercise

A healthy, balanced diet supports the liver. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid fatty or fried foods. Regular exercise is fine – just let your child be active.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It can be worrying to learn your child has hepatitis C. Children may feel confused or scared. Talk openly with your child in an age-appropriate way. Seek support from a counsellor if you or your child feel stressed or anxious. Remember, most children are cured and lead normal lives.

Prevention

Yes, but it's not always possible. For babies born to mothers with hepatitis C, the main prevention is to treat the mother before or after pregnancy. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Universal precautions (like wearing gloves when handling blood) help prevent spread.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. However, children with hepatitis C should receive the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines to protect their liver.

Screening programmes

In some countries, pregnant women are tested for hepatitis C. If you have risk factors, ask your doctor about testing. Children born to mothers with hepatitis C should be tested after 18 months of age.

Complications

If left untreated

• Liver fibrosis (scarring) – can get worse over time
• Cirrhosis (severe scarring) – very rare in children but possible over decades
• Liver cancer – extremely rare in children, but risk increases if cirrhosis develops
• Fatigue and reduced quality of life

Long-term outlook

With modern treatment, the outlook is excellent. More than 90% of children are cured, which means the virus is gone and the liver can heal. After cure, children have a normal life expectancy and can do everything other children do. Early treatment gives the best chance for a healthy future.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.