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Hepatitis C

Description

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that causes serious damage to the liver. For some people, this can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver and eventually liver failure and death after many years.

For more detailed information on Hepatitis C you can go to www.hepatitisc.org.au.

Transmission

The virus is spread by blood to blood contact. Most Hepatitis C is transmitted by sharing injecting equipment or other blood contact. Strictly speaking Hepatitis C isn’t considered an STI, however, there is increasing evidence that it is being passed on during sex – and especially during group sex. It can be transmitted when tiny amounts of blood are present on fingers, fists, toys or dicks which are moved from one arse to the next without being cleaned.

Signs and Symptoms

In the early stages of Hepatitis C, symptoms may be absent and they can take years after the initial infection to show up. If they are present symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, pain under the ribs, sweating and intolerance to fatty diets. 75% of people infected with Hepatitis C may carry the virus in their blood for life. 15% of these people may develop cirrhosis of the liver. A small number of people with cirrhosis may develop liver cancer or liver failure.

Testing

Hepatitis C can be detected by a blood test.

Treatment

Maintaining a healthy diet, reducing alcohol intake and cutting down on smoking can improve the body’s ability to cope with Hepatitis C. There are two approved treatments for Hepatitis C – Interferon and Ribavirin. See your doctor, or health care worker, for more information.

If You’re HIV Positive

Around 1 in 10 HIV positive Australians also have Hepatitis C – but many are not aware of it. Co-infection with Hepatitis C is dangerous because it can accelerate the progress of both infections and make both more difficult to treat.

Prevention

People who inject drugs and share equipment are at a high risk of contacting Hepatitis C. If injecting, do not share any equipment, including spoons and tourniquets. Wash hands, dicks, and toys and change condoms and gloves when moving from arse to arse during group sex.

This page last updated 23 July 2008