Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is transmitted in blood. There is no cure, but some treatments may help manage the disease. People can carry the virus for many years. A small number of people may develop liver disease.

Last updated: 19 June 2008

What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis is a disease that causes an inflammation or swelling of the liver. Hepatitis C is one of the viruses that cause this condition. The other hepatitis viruses are also named with a letter, for example: hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

About 25% of people infected with hepatitis C recover and 'clear' the virus within 4 to 6 weeks of infection, although it can take up to one year. The other 75% will develop a chronic or ongoing infection.

What are the symptoms?

When people first become infected with hepatitis C they usually have no symptoms. A small number may notice early symptoms such as a mild flu-like illness, dark urine or a yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). These symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks but this doesn't mean the virus has also gone.

People with chronic hepatitis C may develop lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, soreness in the right upper part of the belly, fever or flu like symptoms, and joint pains.

A very small proportion of people with chronic hepatitis C develop liver disease which may lead to liver failure or cancers.

Some people with chronic hepatitis infection may feel well and never develop any symptoms, however they will remain infectious.

How is it spread?

Hepatitis C is transmitted when the blood of an infected person enters the bloodstream of an uninfected person. This can happen through:
• any form of skin penetration with non-sterile equipment, including: sharing needles, syringes, spoons, tourniquets and other injecting equipment; needle stick injuries; tattooing; body piercing; acupuncture
• sharing toothbrushes, razors, sex toys or other items that may have blood on them
• when blood from an infected person makes direct contact with an open wound or cut of a person who is not infected (blood-to-blood contact)

Very rarely, hepatitis C may also be transmitted:
• from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding when the mother's nipples are cracked or infected
• during sex, where blood-to-blood contact is possible
• during medical procedures, where universal infection guidelines are not adhered to

Blood and blood-product donations have been tested for hepatitis C in Australia since 1990.

Who is at risk?

The people who are most at risk of catching hepatitis C are those who:
• share injecting equipment (including needles, syringes, tourniquets, spoons and filters)
• have had unsafe tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture or other skin piercing procedures
• have received a blood/tissue donation or undergone a medical procedure overseas where infection control is poor
• received a blood/tissue transfusion in Australia before 1990

How is it prevented?

There is no vaccination to prevent against hepatitis C.

To prevent transmission of hepatitis C, avoid blood-to-blood contact:
• never share needles, syringes and other injecting equipment
• ensure tattoo, acupuncture, and body piercing equipment are sterile
• always use condoms, latex gloves or dental dams during sex where blood may be present
• ensure health facilities comply with infection control guidelines
See a doctor regularly for early detection and treatment if injecting drugs or engaging in other risk behaviours.

How is it diagnosed?

Hepatitis C is detected by a blood test. It may take up to 6 months from the time of exposure before the test can show if there is an infection.

How is it treated?

The best course of treatment available involves a 'combination therapy' of two drugs that reduce inflammation of the liver and can clear the virus in 30% to 65% of people. Combination therapy can have serious side-effects and it is often difficult to obtain. This means that preventing hepatitis C should be a priority.

Whether on treatment or not, people with hepatitis C should limit or avoid alcohol, get lots of rest and maintain a healthy diet.

People with hepatitis C should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

What is the public health response?

If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C it is important to tell anyone you may have infected so they can also be tested and so they do not infect others. Your doctor or sexual health clinic can help you decide who may be at risk and help you to contact them. If you wish, this can be done anonymously by your doctor.

Hepatitis C is a notifiable disease. This means that doctors and laboratory staff are legally required to tell the Department of Public Health about new cases. These notifications are used to help find and treat others who may be at risk before they become ill or infect others. The data is also used for public health planning.

Further Information

Sexual Health Information Line (02) 9382 7440 or Freecall 1800 451 624 (outside Sydney).
Hep C Helpline (02) 9332 1599 or 1800 803 990 (outside Sydney)
Hepatitis C Council www.hepatitisc.org.au

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