FAQ

What is Hepatitis C?

• Hepatitis C infection (Hep C) is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). In Ontario, about 110,000 people are living with Hep C.
• Roughly 20% of people don’t even know they have it.
• Even though you may have no symptoms for many years, you can still have an active infection and pass Hepatitis C on to others. 

How is Hepatitis C transmitted?

• Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to prepare drugs
• Needlestick injuries in health care settings
• Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C

Less common, a person can also get Hepatitis C virus through:

• Sharing personal care items that may have come in contact with another person’s blood, such as razors or toothbrushes
• Having sexual contact with a person infected with the Hep C virus
• Getting a tattoo or body piercing in an unregulated setting

How is HCV diagnosed? 

Hepatitis C is initially diagnosed by an antibody test that is usually can be done in 5-10 minutes to determine if you have ever been exposed to the virus. If it is positive  then a second test for viral load or RNA level needs to be done and sent to the laboratory. If that is  positive, then you may be eligible for treatment. 

How is HCV treated?

Oral medications that are taken once daily are available that are 8 to 12 weeks in duration. They are  covered by the government or private insurance

Side effects of treatment?

Side effects of treatment are minimal and most often fatigue and mild  headache in the first week or so

Can I get hepatitis C again?

Yes, if exposed to the virus you can get it again even after you have been  cured

What happens if hepatitis C is not treated?

If virus continues to be in your system, you are at risk of sharing it with others in any blood to blood contact. It will also cause continued inflammation of the liver that can cause cirrhosis and/or liver cancer over time