Frequently Asked Questions about Hep C

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes liver inflammation and liver disease.

Approximately 284,000 Australians have been exposed to hepatitis C virus and 212,000 are living with chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is a slow-acting virus, and for most people does not result in serious disease or death.

There is no vaccination currently available for hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C was discovered in 1988. Since 1990, hepatitis C blood tests have been available at GPs and health services.

Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact.

In other words, it is transmitted when blood containing the hepatitis C virus gets under the skin and enters the bloodstream of another person. The majority of hepatitis C infections have resulted from unsterile injecting practices. Other routes of transmission include unsterile tattoos and body piercings, unsterile medical procedures in high prevalence countries, and blood transfusions prior to 1990.

It’s very unusual for hep C to be transmitted from sex. This only happens if there is an opportunity for blood to blood transmission to occur during sex.

Hep C is not transmitted from casual contact, kissing, sharing food or utensils, or mosquitoes.

Not everybody who contracts hepatitis C will have hepatitis C for life. Up to 25% of people will naturally clear the virus, and the remaining 75% will develop chronic infection.

If they occur, symptoms of chronic hepatitis C can take many years to develop and can include fatigue, stomach pains, digestive troubles, itchy skin and depression.

Yes. Treatment with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin, commonly called ‘combination therapy’ lasts for 6 or 12 months and has approximately a 60% success (cure) rate. Treatment duration and success rate both vary according to hepatitis C genotype. There are significant side effects, both physical and mental, associated with combination therapy. It is therefore important for people considering treatment to ensure they have adequate support. Contact your local Hepatitis C Organisation for more information.

The reduction or elimination of alcohol is perhaps the most important lifestyle consideration for people with hepatitis C. In addition, eating well, reducing stress, and regular checkups are all beneficial. For more information about managing symptoms and living well with hepatitis C please contact your local Hepatitis Organisation.

For more information on hepatitis C visit http://www.hepatitisaustralia.com/about_hepatitis/hep_c.html

For helpful information about Hep C visit http://www.hepatitisaustralia.com/about_hepatitis/hep_c.html.