Hepatitis C – How is it different to Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis C unlike hepatitis B has an easily accessible and simple cure. However, unlike hepatitis B, the hepatitis C virus cannot be prevented by vaccination. This is why, like with hepatitis B, it is important to check if you have ever been exposed to the virus.
Hepatitis C is endemic around the world and is passed from blood-to-blood contact. Unlike hepatitis B, it is rarely transmitted from mother to child at birth.
People living with chronic hepatitis C don’t usually have any signs or symptoms until the virus has caused damage to their liver – this can take many years to occur. Hepatitis C can also cause liver cancer and therefore by being cured of the virus you can greatly reduce the risks of liver damage and liver cancer.
How do people get infected with the virus?
• Blood transfusions, medical and dental procedures performed overseas – including cosmetic procedures.
• Blood transfusions or organ transplants undertaken in Australia before 1990.
• Tattooing, piercings, body modifications that may have not been done under strict infection control – e.g. in some one’s home, or in another country.
• Sharing of personal hygiene equipment such as razors, toothbrushes etc. Remember you cannot tell by looking at someone if they are living with hepatitis C.
• Traditional practices (medical or cultural) involving penetration of the skin using shared tools or equipment.
How can you find out if you are living with hepatitis C?
• A simple blood test (by any doctor or nurse practitioner) or through a community point of care (finger prick) testing facility will let you know if you have hepatitis C antibodies (HCV-Ab) – which means you have been exposed to the virus, but it does not mean you definitely have hepatitis C.
• Further testing for hepatitis C virus is needed (HCV-PCR or HCV RNA testing) to confirm whether you have hepatitis C or not. This needs to be done by your doctor or nurse practitioner. If virus is detected in your blood (the HCV-PCR or HCV RNA test is positive), you will need treatment.
How and where do you get treatment?
• All GPs in Australia and some nurse practitioners can prescribe treatment for hepatitis C.
• If you have liver damage your GP will refer you to a Liver specialist for further medical management.
Is treatment difficult or expensive?
• No. Treatment is very easy, and the new treatments have an extremely high cure rate.
• Treatment takes between 8 and 12 weeks and involved only taking 1 or 3 tablets a day.
• Hepatitis C medications are very cheap – costing around $70-$120 if you have a Medicare Card, and less if you have a Healthcare Card.
• If you do not have a Medicare Card, you can buy hepatitis C medications online (www.fixhepc.com) with a doctor’s prescription
How do you know you have been cured after treatment?
• You can see your doctor to do another hepatitis C RNA (PCR) test one month after completing the treatment. If it is negative, you are cured.
Can you get hepatitis C again after being cured?
• Yes, you can be reinfected with hepatitis C. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. This is why it is very important to avoid blood contact – no matter how small the amount, like what may be on a toothbrush.
If you would like a test for hepatitis C the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland is able to provide Free confidential finger prick testing to check for hepatitis C antibodies before December 2024.
For more information please contact (BCHWs add your details here) or you can visit our webpage at www.eccq.com.au/bbv.
You can also contact us by email at health@eccq.com.au or call 3844 9166.
