Hepatitis C

What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is an infection caused by a virus (the hepatitis C virus, HCV) that may result in swelling of the liver. Hepatitis C infection can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) that can affect its ability to function. The number of Canadians infected with HCV is growing. There is currently no vaccine against hepatitis C.

What are the symptoms?

Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms and feel quite healthy. Many do not know that they are infected and can spread the virus to others. Some people with hepatitis C may have nausea and loss of appetite; others may develop symptoms of tiredness, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), abdominal pain, and joint pain. Some people can develop cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.

It is estimated that 3 to 20 percent of people with hepatitis C will develop cirrhosis in 20 years. Of those with cirrhosis, 1 to 4 percent per year will develop liver cancer.

How is hepatitis C spread?

Hepatitis C is most commonly spread by direct blood to blood contact.

Who is at risk?

At Higher Risk are:

• people who received a blood transfusion, blood product, organ, or tissue transplant prior to 1990 (HCV screening began in 1990),

• people who share drug injection equipment (i.e. needles and syringes), even once,
• people who use cocaine (by snorting) and sharing the straw, or
• people on long-term hemodialysis.

At Lower Risk are:

• people who share household items (ie razors, nail files, and dental floss) that could have blood on them,

• people having tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture or electrolysis with equipment that was not cleaned properly,
• people who accidentally prick themselves with a used needle from an infected person (each accidental needle prick carries a 1 to 2 percent risk of infection),
• people who have had unprotected sexual activity. (Although the risk of sexual transmission of Hepatitis C is very low, it may be increased when a person has more than one sexual partner or has a sexually transmitted infection or genital sores. Using latex condoms may lessen the risk), or
• infected mothers who may pass hepatitis C to her fetus in the womb or during delivery.

Can I be tested for hepatitis C?

A blood test can be done to detect hepatitis C antibodies (the body's response to infection). If antibodies for hepatitis C are found, the person is considered to be infected with the hepatitis C virus. It can take 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure for the antibodies to appear. This means that a person who is infected and able to spread the virus may have a negative test result if the test is done during the first 2 weeks to 6 months after infection.

Is there a treatment?

For many people, no specific treatment is needed. Those suffering from active hepatitis C (indicated by abnormal liver tests) may benefit from treatment. A liver transplant may be an option for those suffering from liver failure.

What if I already have hepatitis C?

Protect others:

• Don't share needles or works.
• Don't give blood or donate your organs.
• Don't share razors or toothbrushes.
• Let your doctor, clinic nurse, and any other health professional you receive care from know that you have hepatitis C.
• Inform your partners. If you have more than one sexual partner, practice safer sex by always using latex condoms.

Lower your chances of developing cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer:

• If you drink alcohol, stop. If you can't stop, limit your consumption of alcohol to no more than 4 drinks per week.
• Talk with your doctor about any drugs (prescription or street) that you are using. You may need to stop, change, or reduce use of these drugs.
• Protect yourself from other infections that can affect the liver such as hepatitis B and hepatitis A. People with Hepatitis C are eligible for free vaccination against Hepatitis A and B. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about precautions and vaccines for these infections.
• Take care of your whole body including a healthy diet, exercise, no smoking, etc.

If I don't have hepatitis C, how can I protect myself from becoming infected?

• Don't share needles or works.
• Make sure that all procedures (tattooing, piercing, acupuncture, electrolysis, etc.) are done with new needles or proper disinfection and sterilization and that fresh ink is used for tattoos.
• Reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections by talking openly with your partner(s), practicing safer sex, and reducing your number of sexual partners.
• If you come in contact with body substances (e.g. blood), use Routine Practices. 
• Never use someone else's razors and toothbrushes.

For more information contact:

KFL&A Public Health (613) 549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 1287, www.kflapublichealth.ca

Canadian Liver Foundation 1-800-563-5483 www.liver.ca

Canadian Hemophilia Society 1-800-668-2686 www.hemophilia.ca

Hepatitis Society of Canada 1-800-652- HepC (4372) www.hepatitiscsociety.com

Your family doctor.

Revised: 2011-07-27