What are the treatment options for hepatitis C?

The hepatitis C virus can cause short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) hepatitis C. Most people with acute hepatitis C have no symptoms or mild symptoms, but eventually develop chronic hepatitis C. Treatment with antiviral drugs can cure hepatitis C. Doctors choose the specific drug therapy based upon the genotype of the hepatitis C virus, amount of liver fibrosis (scarring), and whether the person has already tried other treatment.