What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a virus that infects and grows in the liver. It is also present in the blood of someone who has the infection. Hepatitis C is sometimes also known as Hep C and HCV. The virus can slowly damage the liver over time, although symptoms are not always immediately noticeable. It’s estimated that hepatitis C is affecting around 160,000 people in England.
Hepatitis C is usually transmitted when you come into contact with the blood of an infected person.
What are the symptoms (signs) of Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C symptoms vary a lot, from feeling nothing to being very unwell. Most people will not have any symptoms at all at any stage of the infection. Some people will experience symptoms a few weeks after infection such as;
- high temperature
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- tummy (abdominal) pains
- sickness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Brain fog or trouble concentrating
A small number may also experience jaundice (when your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow), with much darker coloured urine (wee).
In around 20% of cases, the body’s immune system will kill the virus off within a few months but most people (80% of those affected) will need to seek treatment.
If Hepatitis C is left untreated, over many years it can cause serious and permanent damage to the liver.
Treatment for Hepatitis C
There are different types of hepatitis C and each respond differently to treatment. Once you are diagnosed with Hepatitis C you will be referred to a specialist who will assess the virus type and look at the current health of your liver before deciding on a course of treatment. The good news is that the latest treatments can permanently clear your body of Hepatitis C, although they don’t prevent reinfection. Treatment is much more successful and easier to take now than it was even a few years ago.
How can I avoid getting Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus and is transmitted when you come into contact with infected blood. It is most often contracted through sharing needles for injecting drugs, or from using or sharing unsterile tattoo or body piercing equipment. It can also be contracted if you have received medical treatment in a country where Hepatitis is common such as Egypt or Pakistan or if you have shared a toothbrush or razor with someone who has the virus. It can be passed on through sex particularly unprotected anal sex, as well as through other high-risk sexual practices such as fisting. Hepatitis C also seems to be more easily passed between HIV-positive men; the reason for this is not well understood.
You can avoid getting Hepatitis C by not sharing drug taking equipment and by making sure that tattooists or body piercers only use pre-sterilised, single use needles. If you know someone with Hepatitis C do not share a toothbrush or razor with them. If you are having sex, make sure that you use a condom and are well lubricated. If you are fisting make sure you use a single use sterile glove.
If you have Hepatitis C, it is important that you take care not to infect other people.
What should I do if I think I have Hepatitis C?
If you are experiencing symptoms of Hepatitis C, or are worried that you may have come into contact with infected blood, you should contact your nearest Devon Sexual Health clinic and arrange for an appointment so that we can do some tests and advise you on what to do next.
Frequently asked questions about
Hepatitis C
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Have I got Hepatitis C?
It’s difficult to tell since, for a lot of people, symptoms may be mild or absent. If you are feeling unwell or if you have been in contact with someone who has the virus or if you have been sharing needles then book an appointment or come to a drop in clinic and we can run some tests and give you advice.
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Can Hepatitis C heal itself?
Yes. In fact sometimes when you are diagnosed with Hepatitis C, your doctor will wait before treating you to see if your body fights off the virus. This only usually happens in 1 out of 5 cases, so it’s best to seek treatment if you are unwell.
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Can Hepatitis C make me infertile?
No. Hepatitis C primarily affects the liver. It does not affect male or female fertility.
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I’m pregnant, can I pass Hepatitis C onto my unborn child?
There is a very low likelihood of passing Hepatitis C onto your unborn child. If you are pregnant or planning to have a child and are hepatitis C positive, it is important to discuss the transmission risk with your midwife and consultant obstetrician.
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How soon after treatment can I start having sex again?
Hepatitis C is transmitted by coming into contact with an infected person’s blood, so it all depends on what type of sex you are having. Rough sex, menstrual sex and unprotected anal sex could lead to infection, but infection risk is reduced by using a condom. Most people wait until they have been retested after treatment and given the all clear.
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How do you get tested for Hepatitis C?
There are three stages of testing for Hepatitis C. The first test looks at whether you have ever been exposed to the virus (antibody test). The second test is to establish whether the virus is still present and active (viral load test). A third test is then done to determine which type of Hepatitis C you have and which will be the most effective medication for treatment (genotype test).
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How long can Hepatitis C live on a razor or toothbrush?
The virus can continue to exist outside of the body on items and surfaces for up to 3 weeks. The virus is easily washed away with water, and will be killed by common household cleaning products.
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Can you get Hepatitis C from kissing?
No. Hepatitis C is transmitted from blood to blood or sexual contact with an infected person.
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Can you get Hepatitis C from oral sex?
Theoretically yes, if there was an open wound in your mouth and the same on your partner’s genitals. In practice, however, it is extremely unlikely.