Hepatitis C

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What is Hep C?

Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a virus that affects the liver. Hep C often has no symptoms. This means you won’t know you have it unless you get a blood test.

Even without symptoms, it can be passed on. Symptoms can include:

fever
headache
feeling sick (nausea)
stomach pain
flu like illness

vomiting
dark wee (urine)
tiredness (fatigue)
general aches and pains
yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

How do you get Hep C?

Hep C can be passed on from person to person when the blood of someone with Hep C enters the bloodstream of another person. This can happen through:

sharing used injecting equipment
unsterile piercing and tattooing
sharing toothbrushes, razors and sex toys that have body fluids on them
needle stick injuries
if blood from a person with Hep C comes into contact with an open wound of another person

In some rare cases, Hep C can be passed on from:

Hep C positive mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
during unprotected sex, if there is blood being swapped
during medical and dental procedures, if standard safety precautions are not followed

You cannot get Hep C from kissing, hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, sharing food or drinks.

How do you prevent Hep C?

Do not share injecting equipment, razor blades, toothbrushes and sex toys.
Use sterile tattoo, acupuncture and body piercing equipment.
Use condoms and dams during oral, vaginal or anal sex. Condoms can prevent Hep C from being passed on.

What are the tests for Hep C?

Hep C is tested for by a blood or finger prick test. If you have been exposed to Hep C, it is important to get some advice and testing. Hep C tests are easy, confidential and nothing to be ashamed about.

You can get a Hep C test at your local doctor, a sexual health clinic and some university health clinics. You can call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 (free call) to find the closest service to you.

What is the treatment for Hep C?

Hep C is treated using an antiviral medicine. The medicine is highly effective. Hep C tablets are taken daily for 8-12 weeks. With proper treatment, you can’t spread Hep C to another person. Even if Hep C is treated, you can still get it again. However, the good news is you can just get tested and treated again.

If you would like an interpreter to help you access health services or information, you can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.