Hepatitis C cure journey in infants

Overview

Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause liver damage. Infants can get it from their mothers during birth. With modern treatment, many babies can be completely cured of the virus.

Hepatitis C in infants is not common, but it occurs in about 5 out of every 100 babies born to mothers with hepatitis C.

It affects infants born to mothers who have hepatitis C, especially if the mother has a high level of the virus in her blood or if she was not treated before giving birth.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most infants with hepatitis C have no noticeable symptoms at first.
• Some babies may have mild jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Symptoms in children

• As children grow, they might feel tired, have a poor appetite, or have stomach pain on the right side.

Causes

Main causes

• The hepatitis C virus is passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
• Less commonly, it can be spread through contact with infected blood, such as from contaminated medical equipment.

Risk factors

• Mother has chronic hepatitis C, especially if she has a high viral load.
• Mother has HIV co-infection.
• Mother had a blood transfusion before blood screening became standard (rare today).

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your baby shows signs of severe jaundice, poor feeding, or extreme tiredness.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you know the mother had hepatitis C, ask for your baby to be tested around 18 months of age.

Diagnosis

Hepatitis C is diagnosed with blood tests. Doctors check for antibodies to the virus and later confirm by detecting the virus itself.

Tests that may be done

• Anti-HCV antibody test (looks for immune response)
• HCV RNA test (detects the virus's genetic material, confirming active infection)

What to expect at your appointment

If your baby is at risk, doctors will do a blood test at around 18 months old. The test is quick, and results help decide next steps. If the virus is found, you will meet with a specialist to discuss monitoring or treatment.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. Many infants clear the virus naturally. For those who don't, oral antiviral medications given for 8 to 12 weeks can cure over 95% of cases. Treatment is generally very well tolerated in infants.

Self-care at home

• Make sure your baby gets all recommended vaccinations to protect the liver.
• Maintain good hand hygiene and avoid sharing toothbrushes or nail clippers.
• Follow your doctor's advice on feeding – breast milk is safe and recommended.

Medical treatments

For infants who do not clear the virus, a specialist may prescribe a course of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications. These pills target the virus directly and are given once or twice a day. The exact medicine and duration depend on the baby's weight and age. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat hepatitis C in infants. In rare cases where severe liver damage occurs, a liver transplant might be considered – but this is extremely rare with today's treatments.

Living with this condition

Your baby will need regular check-ups and blood tests to monitor the virus and liver health. Once cured, follow-up care is minimal. Keep a calm, loving routine – the virus does not require special precautions beyond good hygiene.

Lifestyle tips

• Practice good hygiene to avoid spreading the virus to others – though the risk is very low.
• Cover any cuts or skin breaks with a bandage.
• Clean blood spills with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).

Diet and exercise

For infants, a healthy diet includes breast milk or formula. After weaning, offer balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. No special diet is needed, but avoid supplements not recommended by your doctor.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a baby with hepatitis C can be stressful and worrisome for parents. It is normal to feel anxious. Talk openly with your healthcare provider about your feelings. Remember that the infection is treatable and most babies go on to lead healthy lives.

Prevention

The best way to prevent hepatitis C in infants is to treat the mother before pregnancy. For women with hepatitis C who are pregnant, there is no vaccine or medicine that can prevent transmission to the baby during birth. However, avoiding invasive procedures during labor (like fetal scalp monitoring) may help reduce risk.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. However, all infants should receive the hepatitis B vaccine as part of routine immunization to protect their liver from another virus.

Screening programmes

Screening pregnant women for hepatitis C is recommended, especially if they have risk factors. This helps identify babies who need follow-up testing and care.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic hepatitis C infection can lead to liver inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) over many years.
• In rare cases, untreated infection in childhood can progress to cirrhosis (severe liver damage) or liver cancer in adulthood.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for infants with hepatitis C is excellent. Most who need treatment are cured completely with a short course of oral medications. Even those who clear the virus naturally have a normal life expectancy. With close monitoring and timely care, your baby can grow up healthy and free of the virus.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• International Liver Foundation

Local organisations

• Your local health authority

Helplines

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