Wanem hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C e virus that can meke youpla liver sick. Drinking too mus grog, using drugs, some chemicals and some other viruses can also meke the liver sick.

Youpla liver is very important for youpla health. When the liver e hurt or damaged e may not work very well and e can make youpla very sick.

Hepatitis C e sometimes callem “hep C”.


How I gede hepatitis C?


Youpla can gede hepatitis C if the blood of a person with hepatitis C gets into youpla bloodstream. Even if the blood drops are mina small por look, you can kes e hepatitis C.

High risk activities

  • sharing needles, syringes and teaspoons to inject drugs is the most common way people gede hepatitis C
  • unsterile tattooing, body piercing or ceremony
  • procedures where the skin is pierced with unsterile medical, dental or acupuncture needles

Low risk activities

  • a mother with hepatitis C can give em to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth
  • sharing toothbrushes and razors
  • accidental needlestick injury to health care workers

You cannot gede hepatitis C from:

  • sharing toilets or showers
  • sweat or washing clothes blo someone with hepatitis C
  • sharing cutlery, plates or cups and glasses
  • eating food cooked by someone with hepatitis C
  • sneezing, coughing, kissing or hugging
  • swimming pools
  • animal or insect bites (e.g. mosquitos)

Vaccinations, blood transfusions and medical and dental procedures are safe in Australia when all rules and regulations are followed.

How do sabe if I gud hepatitis C?


Most people don’t look or feel sick. The most common sign is nausea. The only way por proppa sabe is to get a blood test.

When should I gede the test?


Ask youpla doctor for a test if:

  • youpla ever injected drugs, even if it was only once or a long time ago. (Drugs also include steroids for the gym)
  • youpla have ever been in prison in any country
  • youpla had an organ transplant or blood transfusion in Australia before 1990 or in any other country before thempla began testing for hepatitis C
  • youpla gud any tattoos or skin piercings
  • youpla come from a country with high numbers of people with hepatitis C like Africa, the Middle East (particularly Egypt), the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, and South Asia
  • youpla mother gud hepatitis C
  • youpla marn, and have HIV and have sex with men
  • youpla sexual partner has hepatitis C

What does hepatitis C virus do to my body?


Hepatitis C virus gets into the liver cells and makes more viruses inside them. The body fights the virus in the liver cells which can hurt the liver. Sometimes youpla body will fight off all the virus by itself. This can happen within six months of youpla getting the virus.

Most people’s body cannot fight off all the virus. Over many years, the liver gets very damaged with lots of scarring. This one e called ‘cirrhosis’ and can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.

Can hepatitis C be treated or cured?


WA. Youpla doctor can give you medicine to cure hepatitis C.

Do I have to spik anyone if I gud hepatitis C?


By law youpla must tell these people:

  • if youpla give blood at a blood bank
  • if youpla give a body organ (e.g. kidney) or other body fluid (e.g. sperm)
  • some insurance companies ask youpla to tell them if you gud hepatitis C or other illnesses. If you nor spik them, they may not pay youpla when you meke claim
  • if youpla wande join the Australian Defence Force (ADF), youpla will have to spik thempla
  • If youpla health care worker who does medical procedures where you cannot see your hands (such as a surgeon or dentist), youpla must spik your employer or supervisor and get advice from a specialist

You nor have to spik your:

  • boss
  • workmates or classmates
  • family
  • friends

Your doctor cannot tell youpla family.

How can I stap from gede hepatitis C?


  • nor share needles, syringes or teaspoons to inject drugs
  • choose tattoo and piercing studios carefully. Use licensed professionals. Make sure thempla use a new needle and ink for every customer
  • always use condoms if youpla have more than one sexual partner, especially if you marn who has sex with other marn
  • avoid blood or blood products in countries that don’t test blood donations
  • don’t share toothbrushes or razors
  • if youpla health care worker, always follow standard precautions

Even if youpla be gud hepatitis C in the past and took medicine to cure it, youpla can still get hepatitis C again.

Where can I gede help and advice?


There are many hepatitis C groups in Australia to give youpla help, advice and support.


Get support from the hepatitis community

More information