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Under the belt health

This blog was written by Billy the Peer and Vocational Support Officer at Positive Life NSW. Moving to a new country for education is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.   One of these challenges is navigating the healthcare system. Your questions might be, […]

Body parts: What do I need to know?

Do you know the difference between a vulva and a vagina? What about the penis, foreskin and testicles? Does size matter? How much do you know about breasts? Have you ever checked your breasts?   This blog post was co-written by the International Student Health Hub team and Rainbow, an international […]

Having sex for the first time? Here’s what to expect

Do you want to have sex?  This might feel like an obvious question, but it’s important to ask yourself if you are ready to have sex and why you want to have sex. There can be a lot of pressure around sex, and it’s important that you only have sex […]

Visit the blog
Under the belt health

This blog was written by Billy the Peer and Vocational Support Officer at Positive Life NSW. Moving to a new country for education is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.   One of these challenges is navigating the healthcare system. Your questions might be, […]

Body parts: What do I need to know?

Do you know the difference between a vulva and a vagina? What about the penis, foreskin and testicles? Does size matter? How much do you know about breasts? Have you ever checked your breasts?   This blog post was co-written by the International Student Health Hub team and Rainbow, an international […]

Having sex for the first time? Here’s what to expect

Do you want to have sex?  This might feel like an obvious question, but it’s important to ask yourself if you are ready to have sex and why you want to have sex. There can be a lot of pressure around sex, and it’s important that you only have sex […]

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 […]

Here’s everything you need to know about hepatitis

Hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver. This page has all you need to know about hepatitis B (Hep B) and hepatitis C (Hep C). Understanding how to protect yourself from hepatitis, how and where to get a hepatitis test and the ways you can treat or manage hepatitis is the first step toward taking control of your health.

Hep B and Hep C often have no symptoms. This means you won’t know you have it unless you get a test. Even without symptoms, it can be passed on to others.  Without proper treatment, Hep B and Hep C can cause long-term swelling of the liver and develop into serious illnesses.

Hepatitis B and C is passed on when blood or semen from a person with hepatitis enters the body of someone who does not have hepatitis. You cannot get Hep B or Hep C from kissing, hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, sharing food, drinks or eating utensils, insect or animal bites (including mosquitos) or from sharing bathrooms, showers or toilets.

Testing for hepatitis B and C is easy, confidential and nothing to be ashamed about. Hepatitis B and C is tested for by a blood test. You need to ask your doctor to do a test. It is not part of normal blood tests done by your doctor.

If you have questions about hepatitis or sexual health, you can call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 (free call) to speak to a specialist sexual health nurse. The Sexual Health Infolink is open Monday – Friday between 9am – 5.30pm. The Sexual Health Infolink provides free, non-judgemental sexual health information and referral. You can call if you have symptoms, to find your nearest sexual health clinic or if you need access to condoms.

You can also call the Hepatitis Infoline on 1800 803 990 (free call). The Hepatitis Infoline is open Monday – Wednesday and Friday between 9am – 5pm and Thursday from 1pm-5pm.

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

 

Want to know more? Visit our dedicated factsheet pages below to find out more information:

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis BHepatitis B

More Resources

Hepatitis CHepatitis C

More Resources

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