Hepatitis C cure is simple, safe and effective. One in five people don’t know they have it, this is because hepatitis C often has no symptoms, especially in the early stages.
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus that causes damage to your liver. It is easily cured. If left untreated, it can cause serious liver problems over time, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Most people who have recently acquired hepatitis C don’t notice any symptoms. Only about 1 in 3 people feel unwell.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
About 1 in 3 people clear hepatitis C on their own without treatment. However, most people will develop chronic hepatitis C if it isn’t treated.
People with chronic hepatitis C usually have no symptoms for many years, even while damage is happening to the liver.
Serious complications of untreated hepatitis C can include:
You cannot get hepatitis C from everyday contact including:
Hepatitis C testing isn’t included in standard blood tests, so you may need to ask your doctor to include it.
Getting tested for hepatitis C is easy, it’s often free and can be done in a few different ways.
Financial incentives available for testing.
Visit a sexual health clinic. Testing is often free or low cost.
Free telehealth consultation for people with a Medicare card.
After a virus or a bacteria enters the body, it takes time for tests to show a positive result.
This time is called the window period. This time is called the window period. The window period can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on the infection, and on the health of the individual. Learn more here.
During the window period:
Most tests accurately detect an infection after the window period has passed.
Hepatitis C can be cured with simple and highly effective treatment, that can be prescribed by your GP. Most people take tablets for 8–12 weeks, with cure rates above 95%. Getting treated early can prevent transmission, serious liver damage and improve long-term health.
Treatment usually involves taking one to three tablets a day for 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the medicine.
The medicines used today
Side effects may include feeling tired or having a headache. Most side effects don’t last long, and you should talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Your doctor will arrange a blood test after you finish treatment.
When cured:
During treatment, it’s still possible to pass the virus on through blood-to-blood contact, so it’s important to keep yourself and others safe.
If you have a Medicare card, hepatitis C treatment is low cost supported through the PBS. And it may cost even less if you have a concession card.
You may still need to pay to see your doctor.
There is no vaccine against hepatitis C, and the best way to protect yourself is to:
when injecting medication or drugs, including performance and image enhancing substances
needles, syringes or other injecting equipment .
for body piercing, tattoos or cosmetic procedures
such as razors, toothbrushes or other such items
using condoms, lube and barrier methods.
especially if you are at a higher risk of exposure
Hepatitis C Nurses from the Tasmanian Sexual Health Service can provide testing for hepatitis C and other blood-borne viruses, arrange free hepatitis C treatment, and offer support throughout the treatment process.
Fast finger-prick (point-of-care) testing can detect hepatitis C in as little as one minute.
Financial incentives may be available for testing.
Confidential, free and localised viral hepatitis information and support services.
For more information or help working out which type of support it right for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.