THE Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease. A person can be infected with Hepatitis C for many years without having any symptoms. If left untreated, Hepatitis C can eventually lead to serious liver damage.
Hepatitis C is a virus that is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person. This is commonly referred to as blood to blood contact which means you can get Hepatitis C when infected blood finds its way into your bloodstream and the virus is able to survive and multiply to establish an infection. In terms of an average healthy lifestyle, the opportunities for that to happen are quite rare.
In very rare cases it may also be passed on through infected bodily fluids.
Risk factors. Who is at risk of Hepatitis C?
You should consider a test for Hepatitis C if you have ever been at risk of exposure to the virus. This includes anyone who:
- Has ever injected or snorted drugs in the past (including anabolic steroids) using equipment, however, long ago, even if this was only once or twice
- Has had a blood transfusion
- Has received any blood products
- Has been the recipient of an organ/tissue transplant
- Has ever received medical or dental treatment in countries where infection control may be poor
- Is the child of a mother who has hepatitis
- Is a regular sexual partner/household contact of someone with Hepatitis C
- Has been accidentally exposed to blood where there is a risk of transmission of Hepatitis C (eg healthcare worker with a needle stick injury)
- Has had tattoos, piercings, acupuncture or electrolysis where infection control procedures are poor
- Is infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Is a migrant from a country with a medium or high prevalence of Hepatitis C
Facts
Twenty percent of people will clear the virus naturally.
Half of those infected don’t know it, however, with treatment it can be cured
New, even more effective treatments will be available soon. Support services are available for anyone affected by Hepatitis C.
It often has no obvious symptoms meaning you could be infected but not know. It is important to get tested if you have ever been at risk. — Online