Common STIs - Hepatitis C

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Cause

Hepatitis C is a serious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. There are at least six different strains of hepatitis C.

The virus is spread when the infected blood of one person gets into another person's bloodstream.

Symptoms

Some people infected with hepatitis C notice no signs at first, while others get a flu like illness.

Sometimes the urine becomes dark in the early stages. The whites of the eyes and skin may turn yellow and indicate jaundice.

All signs may go away in a few weeks but this does not mean the infection has gone.

Other signs include fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, tiredness and pain in the joints.

More than 70 per cent of people who get a hepatitis C infection continue to carry it in their blood for life. They are carriers of hepatitis C and can pass it on to others.

Some people will develop scarring of the liver or liver cancer later in life.

How is it transmitted?

• sharing drug injecting equipment is the most common way people become infected with hepatitis C in Australia.
• infected blood coming into contact with open cuts is a less common cause of infection
• a woman who is a carrier may pass the infection to her baby during childbirth
• people who receive blood transfusions in Australia are at reduced risk of contracting hepatitis C because blood donations have been screened for the virus since February 1990
• tattoo and body piercing, electrolysis or acupuncture equipment which has not been sterilised properly
• sharing a toothbrush or razor or any personal item that could puncture the skin and draw blood is risky if it has been used by a carrier
• unprotected sex is a small risk.

Management

There is no cure for hepatitis C. Although there are new anti viral medicines available, they do not work for everyone, or for all strains of hepatitis C. Approximately 20 per cent of people get well without medical treatment but re infection with different strains of hepatitis can occur with new contacts. Several months after contracting hepatitis C, a blood test can identify antibodies. The blood test can't say if the infected person has become a carrier.

Prevention

Do not share any injecting drug equipment, including spoons, tourniquets or water.

Safe sex practices are essential. Use condoms correctly for vaginal and anal sex when blood may be present.

There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C at the present time.

Sponsor

Department of Human Services

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 9 Jun 2009