After contracting hep c how long can a person live?

A person can live indefinitely with proper medical treatment. You must get a diagnosis from your doctor and follow the prescribed regimine.

Hep C is only a "death sentence" without medical intervention.

The main risk of hepatitis C is the development of cirrhosis. Approximately 30% of individuals infected chronically ( > 20 years) will develop cirrhosis from hepatitis C. Infected individuals basically have a 1 out of 3 chance that if they live long enough, they will develop cirrhosis from hepatits C.

Hepatitis C is curable with Ribavirin and Interferon treatment. Overall, about 60% of the people who are treated are cured. Unfortunately, 40% of people do not respond to the treatment and must live with the risk of cirrhosis as stated above.