Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (hep C) is a virus that affects the liver. Someone can live with hepatitis C for a long time (20-30 years) before they start to develop any symptoms, feel sick, or see any sign of liver damage. Without testing, treatment or follow-up from a provider, the liver can become scarred and cause people to become ill. 

 What are the symptoms?

Most people have no signs or symptoms of hepatitis C. People who have hepatitis C may have some or all of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Dark urine, pale stools
• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite

Hepatitis C is passed through blood-to blood-contact with someone who has the virus.

The main ways that hepatitis C is passed between people are:

• Sharing needles/syringes or other equipment used to inject drugs, such as cookers, filters, stems, bills/straws, etc
• Having received blood and/or blood products, or immunoglobulin before 1992
• Tattoos, body piercing/modifications, acupuncture, manicures or pedicures where non-sterile equipment is used
• Sharing personal hygiene items such as razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers
• Maternal transmission (during pregnancy or childbirth)
• Condomless sex where there is a higher risk of blood transmission, such as anal sex, rough sex, party and play, menses, etc

Hepatitis C is diagnosed through blood tests. Discuss with your health care provider testing for HCV.

Hepatitis C is a treatable infection. If you have a positive Hepatitis C test showing an active infection you will be referred to a specialist who can review treatment options. Even if you clear the virus on your own or with treatment you can still get hepatitis C again.

• Decrease or eliminate alcohol, drug and/or tobacco use
• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
• Talk to your healthcare provider/pharmacist before starting new medications or natural remedies 

• Use an internal or external condom, every time you have vaginal and/or anal sex
• Use water-based or silicone-based lubricants
• If you share sex toys, cover the toy with a condom and clean after each use
• Get tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) regularly

• Use a new needle/syringe and other drug equipment every time you use drugs
• Never share equipment with anyone, including your sex partner(s)
• Access safe injection sites for new equipment and care