According to the World Health Organization, hepatitis C affects roughly 71 million individuals on a worldwide basis. However, despite those shocking numbers, not every person with hep C realizes they’ve contracted the virus known as HCV.

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver, eventually resulting in liver damage and cirrhosis of the liver if left untreated. While many have assumptions about how hep C is contracted and where it exists, let’s clear up the misinformation about HCV:

1. Many unknowingly have hep C
Many individuals are currently living with HCV without knowing it. In the early stages, hep C often doesn’t cause physical symptoms. For instance, only 30% of hep C patients develop symptoms (i.e., jaundice). However, if you fear you’ve come into contact with dirty needles or tattoo or piercing equipment, ask your doctor to test you for HCV immediately.

2. How is hep C contracted?
While contracting hep c through an infected partner is less frequent than thought, it is possible to transmit HCV through sexual fluids (i.e., blood and semen). However, more common transmission of hep C include sharing of unsterile needles, piercing or tattoo tools, and unclean dialysis equipment. Despite misinformation, hep C cannot be contracted via airborne germs, sneezing, coughing, hugging, touching, or toilet seats.

3. Hepatitis C exists in many forms
Hep c doesn’t just come in one type, according to health experts. In fact, the virus is found in six distinct types, or genotypes, which WHO ranges from HCV genotype 1 through 6. These hep C genotypes exist in many places worldwide, including North America.

4. Hep c isn’t always fatal
Despite popular belief, many patients with hep C live full, long lives with early diagnosis and proper treatment. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that only 25% of hep C cases develop into chronic HCV, and cirrhosis of the liver, which may be fatal.