Hepatitis C, if left untreated, can lead to serious illness and at times even death. This is why it is so important to get medical care if you find out you have hepatitis C. Your doctor will need to determine how hepatitis C is affecting your health. Soon after your diagnosis, your doctor will run tests to get estimates about your overall health. For descriptions of these tests, go to the Understanding lab tests section. Treatments for hepatitis C are not perfect, but can be very effective for many people. A doctor or other health care provider can explain the best options for you. If you work with your health care provider in planning your care, you can deal with the disease in the way that is best for you. | 
