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5 tips for finding your LGBTQ community in Sydney

Are you new to Sydney and looking to find your community? ACON has you covered with their ‘Top 5 tips for finding your community when you arrive in Sydney! – LGBTQ edition’.  This month, the International Student Health Hub is sharing a blog post written by our wonderful friends over […]

What are the four C’s of Safe Sex?

What do you think about when you hear the term ‘safe sex’? People often think the term safe sex is only about protecting themselves and partners from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). But safe sex means much more than that – it’s not just about whether you’re being sexually […]

What is the International Student Health Hub and how can I get involved?

Welcome to the International Student Health Hub!   The International Student Health Hub was designed by international students and professionals who support students, for international students. The Hub was developed to improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. Lots of students told us it was hard to find […]

Visit the blog
5 tips for finding your LGBTQ community in Sydney

Are you new to Sydney and looking to find your community? ACON has you covered with their ‘Top 5 tips for finding your community when you arrive in Sydney! – LGBTQ edition’.  This month, the International Student Health Hub is sharing a blog post written by our wonderful friends over […]

What are the four C’s of Safe Sex?

What do you think about when you hear the term ‘safe sex’? People often think the term safe sex is only about protecting themselves and partners from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). But safe sex means much more than that – it’s not just about whether you’re being sexually […]

What is the International Student Health Hub and how can I get involved?

Welcome to the International Student Health Hub!   The International Student Health Hub was designed by international students and professionals who support students, for international students. The Hub was developed to improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. Lots of students told us it was hard to find […]

Our Top Nine Frequently Asked Sexual Health Questions

Have you ever had questions about sex and sexual health, and wondered if anyone else has the same questions? There are so many myths when it comes to sex and sexual health that it can be hard to know what the facts are. We have pulled together questions and answers […]

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.

 

Find out more – Read the factsheet

Want to know more?

 

Read our translated factsheets

Hindi Factsheet

Mandarin Factsheet

Thai Factsheet

Nepali Factsheet

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