text: I cleared it on the treatment (interferon & ribavirin) 6 years ago. It can take a few months to show up, but you have to be specifically tested for it. I have 2 children, neither one has hep c. There is a <8% chance of passing it to your children and a <5% chance of becoming infected through sex. There is way too much information to tell you everything about it. My advice would be to treat it as soon as possible; why wait until you have more liver damage. The chances of clearing it are better the younger you are.  Get vaccinated against other forms of hepatitis (A &B).  Educate yourself by joining a good support group.  Don't drink alcohol (that should be the #1 advice!). Best wishes to you.