The aim
of treatment is to reduce levels of hepatitis C virus (HCV) to undetectable
levels very rapidly. By the end of the treatment course everyone should have
undetectable virus levels. Twelve weeks (and sometimes also 24 weeks) after the
end of treatment, virus levels will be tested again. If the virus is
undetectable at this time, you are considered to be cured of hepatitis C.
If the
virus reappears between the end of treatment and the 12-week post-treatment
test, this is called viral relapse. Relapses later than 12 weeks after treatment are
very rare.