Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common viral infection and liver disease that can be cured. It is the main cause for liver cancer. Your general practitioner (GP) can treat hepatitis C using medication called direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs).
DAAs can cure chronic hepatitis C infection in a matter of months – most often with few or no side effects. The treatment is a simple and safe oral medication taken for 12 weeks. The Ministry of Health is aiming to end hepatitis C by 2028.
What are the risk factors for hepatitis C?
In Australia, people who may have a higher risk of hepatitis C infection are those who:
- Inject drugs, or have injected drugs in the past
- Have been in prison
- Had a blood transfusion in Australia before February 1990, or more recently in another country
- Have a mother with hepatitis C infection
- Have a sexual partner with hepatitis C infection and are HIV positive
- Have had haemodialysis
- Were born in, or have had medical procedures in a country with a high prevalence of hepatitis C
- Have had a tattoo or body piercing done by someone with poor infection control practices.
- Have had other blood to blood contact with another person
Reference: NSW Health
What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis C?
If there are symptoms, they usually develop within one to three months of infection and can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, sometimes with vomiting
- Tiredness
- Abdominal pain
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale stools
Reference: NSW Health
What can I do if I think I have hepatitis C?
If you think you might have hepatitis C, talk to your GP and ask for a blood test. hepatitis C is treatable, and your doctor will be able to help you!
Where can I learn more about hepatitis C?
Find more information at:
- Health Resource Directory (For community members)
- HealthPathways (For health professionals)