What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is an infectious virus that is found in the blood and affects ones liver.  It can lead to scarring or cancer of the liver. 

Who is at risk for getting Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is spread through direct blood to blood contact with someone who has the virus.  This can occur among:

• Injection drug users who share their needles, spoons, filters and/or water. 
• Sharing other drug paraphernalia like straws, bills & pipes also put people at risk. 
• People who share razors or toothbrushes with someone who has Hepatitis C
• People who get tattoos or a body piercing with dirty needles.
• People who received blood transfusions or blood products before 1992. 
• Hepatitis C positive mothers have a 5-10% chance of transmitting the virus to their infant before or at the time of birth.
• There is a 0-10% risk of Hepatitis C transmission through unprotected intercourse.

What are the signs and symptoms for Hepatitis C?

Many individuals living with Hepatitis C show no signs and feel healthy for years.  Other individuals may feel tired, joint pain, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice), weight loss and/or pain on the right side below the rib cage.

How would I know if I had Hepatitis C?

They only way to find out for sure is by having a blood test.   It may take up to 9 weeks before Hepatitis C would be detected in a blood test after someone has been exposed.

Is there a cure for Hepatitis C?

There is no cure for Hepatitis C and in most cases; people with Hepatitis do NOT get rid of it.  They have Hepatitis C for the rest of their lives.  Many cases require lifelong medical management in order to control the infection to prevent liver failure.  There is antiviral therapy available to help prevent the progression of the virus.

How to prevent Hepatitis C transmission:

There is no vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis C.  The best way to prevent getting this virus is to avoid injection drug use.  If you are using substances, always use clean needles (contact your needle exchange program) and do not share any drug equipment or paraphernalia. Get your tattoos and body piercing done professionally. Practice safe sex by using condoms.

Living with Hepatitis C:

It is important to get immunized for Hepatitis A & B as your liver may not be able to handle the added stress of other hepatitis’s.  Eat a well balanced diet and stop drinking alcohol.  It is also important not to share personal hygiene items with members in your household. Do not donate blood or organs. 

For further information check out www.liver.ca