Hepatitis C in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hepatitis C is less common in children than in adults.

How is HCV spread?

Babies are usually infected during birth. Adolescents are usually infected through injecting drugs, getting a tattoo, or having unprotected sex with an infected person. The following may also increase the risk:

• A stick from an infected needle
• An object with infected blood or body fluids on it touches a wound
• Sharing personal items, such as razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers with someone who has hepatitis C
• Rarely, a blood transfusion, organ transplant, or long-term kidney dialysis

What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis C?

Your child may not have symptoms. If symptoms develop, he or she may have any of the following:

• Fatigue (being mentally and physically tired)
• Dark urine or pale bowel movements
• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) and itchy skin
• Joint pain, body aches, or weakness
• Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting

How is hepatitis C diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms. Tell the provider if your child has health problems or other infections, such as HIV or hepatitis B. Your child will be tested for hepatitis C when he or she is at least 18 months. This is because your child's body will have HCV antibodies from his or her mother. Your adolescent may need to be tested if he or she drinks alcohol, uses certain drugs, or is sexually active. Any of the following may be used to test for hepatitis C or health problems it may cause:

• Blood tests are used to check for HCV antibodies to fight the infection. The tests can show the type and amount of HCV your child has. This will help your child's provider make a treatment plan.
• An endoscopy or a CT scan may be needed to check for liver disease and to check your child's liver function.
• A liver biopsy is a procedure to take a sample of your child's liver. Tests on the sample will show the type of HCV your child has and if the infection is severe.

How is hepatitis C treated?

Your child's body may be able to fight the HCV infection on its own. An infection that does not go away may need treatment. Children younger than 3 years usually do not receive treatment. Children 3 years or older may need any of the following:

• Antiviral medicines help control HCV. These medicines will not get rid of the virus, but they can make it inactive in your child's body. Antivirals can also shorten the amount of time your child has symptoms or make them less severe. Your child will need to take a combination of antivirals for at least 8 to 12 weeks.
• Surgery may be needed to remove part of your child's liver. A liver transplant may be done if your child's liver stops working.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Harvoni
• Epclusa
• Sovaldi
• Vosevi
• Mavyret

View more treatment options

What can I do to manage my child's hepatitis C?

• Do not give your child any medicines without first talking to his or her healthcare provider. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Ask before you give your child acetaminophen, vitamins, herbs, herbal teas, laxatives, or food supplements. Any of these could harm your child's liver.
• Talk to your child's healthcare provider about vaccines. Your child will need hepatitis A and B vaccines if he or she has not received them. Children 6 months or older should also get flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The flu vaccine is given each year, usually starting in September or October. Your child should get all recommended COVID-19 doses and boosters. Ask about other vaccines your child needs, and when he or she should get them.
• Offer a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, beans, and lean meats and fish. Ask if your child needs to be on a special diet.
• Have your child drink extra liquids. Liquids help the liver function properly. Ask your child's healthcare provider how much liquid your child needs each day and which liquids are best for him or her.
• Help your child get more rest. Have your child slowly return to his or her normal activities when he or she feels better.
• Talk to your adolescent about not drinking alcohol or using drugs. Alcohol and drugs both increase the risk for liver damage. Talk to your adolescent's provider if he or she drinks alcohol or uses drugs and needs help to quit.
• Talk to your adolescent about not smoking. Nicotine can damage blood vessels and make it more difficult to manage hepatitis C. Smoking can also lead to more liver damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if your adolescent currently smokes and needs help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your adolescent's provider before he or she uses these products.

What can I do to prevent the spread of HCV?

• Have your child wash his or her hands often. Your child should wash after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food. Have your child use soap and water. Teach your child to wash for at least 20 seconds. Use a timer, or sing a song that is at least 20 seconds. An example is the happy birthday song 2 times. Have your child rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Your older child can use hand sanitizer with alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Keep your child away from other people while he or she is sick. This is especially important during the first 3 to 5 days of illness. The virus is most contagious during this time.
• Have your child cover any open cuts or scratches. If blood from your child's wound gets on a surface, clean the surface with bleach right away. Put on gloves before you clean. Throw away any items with blood or body fluids on them, as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Do not let your child share personal items. These items include toothbrushes, nail clippers, and razors.
• Talk to your adolescent about safe sex. If your adolescent is sexually active, tell him or her to use a condom during sex.
• Tell household members that your child has hepatitis C. They may need to be tested for HCV. Regular handwashing is important for your child and everyone who lives with him or her. Everyone should wash after the bathroom and before eating. Ask your healthcare provider if you should tell childcare providers or school officials that your child has hepatitis C.
• Protect your baby. If you are currently pregnant, your provider will give you more information on protecting your baby from HCV. Medicines used to treat hepatitis C are not routinely used during pregnancy. Your provider may recommend antivirals if the benefits to you and your baby outweigh the risks. Your provider will talk to you about the benefits and risks. It is okay to breastfeed your baby unless your nipples are cracked or bleeding.
• Do not let your child donate blood. Donations are checked for HCV, but it is best not to donate.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your child has severe abdominal pain.
• Your child is too dizzy to stand up.
• Your child feels confused or is very sleepy.
• Your child's bowel movements are red or black, and sticky.
• Your child vomits blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Your child is vomiting and cannot keep food or liquids down.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• Your child has a fever.
• Your child's abdomen or legs have a rash or are swollen.
• Your child is bruising easily.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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