Explainer

Hep C

Real talk

Hepatitis C (hep C) is a viral infection of the liver. If left untreated, it can cause chronic infection and serious liver damage, but it can easily be cured with medication.

Myth-busting

Myth: “Hep C can be passed through casual contact, like kissing or sharing drinks.”
Fact: Untrue. Hep C is passed through the blood – unless you and your partner(s) have cuts, ulcers or microtears in the mouth, you won’t exchange hep C in this way.

Myth: “You can get hep C from infected piercings or tattoos.”
Fact: Incorrect. While hep C can come from unsterilised needles, it’s very unlikely for this to happen at a professionally licensed business.

Myth: “Hep C is covered by my vaccination schedule.”
Fact: Nope! While there are vaccines for hep A and hep B, there’s no vaccine for hep C yet.

What is hep C?

Hep C is a viral infection of the liver that spreads through blood, so it’s considered a blood-borne virus (BBV). It’s not usually classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can still be passed during some types of sex where blood is present.

How do you get hep C?

Hep C is passed when blood from someone with the infection gets into another person’s blood stream. This often happens through sharing injecting equipment, or during sex that involves blood play.

What are the symptoms of hep C?

Hep C usually doesn’t have any symptoms, but some people can experience nausea, jaundice, fever, and tiredness. Chronic infection can cause serious – and even life-threatening – damage to the liver over time.

How is hep C prevented?

You can reduce your risk of hep C by:

using gloves and sterile sharps if your sex involves blood play
not sharing injecting equipment
avoiding tattoos or piercings outside of professional environments
getting tested regularly and recommending partners get tested

You can access free Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) across Australia.

How do you test for hep C?

A routine STI screening generally doesn’t include a hep C test, unless you’re on PrEP. Your doctor may also recommend testing if they think you may be at risk.

There are two tests for hep C: an antibody test and an RNA test.

The antibody test will always be positive if you’ve ever had hep C, even if it’s been cured.

Anyone who gets a positive hep C antibody test needs an RNA test to confirm if the infection is still active.

Hep C tests are free if you have a Medicare card. If you live in NSW, you can order a free dried blood spot (DBS) test through NUAA.

How do you get treated for hep C?

Luckily, new treatment (known as direct-acting antivirals or DAAs) means hep C is now curable for almost everyone. Unlike older treatments for hep C, DAA medicine is easy to take and has few side effects.

Anyone with hep C can get treatment – including people who are currently injecting. Check out the Hepatitis Australia website for more information, and HepLink Australia to link you to a local service anywhere in Australia.

When to see a healthcare professional

A healthcare professional can recommend the tests that are right for your body and your sexual practices. They can provide treatment straight away if you need it, check for any complications, and talk with you about re-testing or letting partners know. Regular checks are a simple way to look after yourself, your partners and your community.

See a healthcare provider if:

you notice any unusual changes or symptoms listed above
a partner has told you they have an STI
you have had sex without a barrier (condoms, dams or gloves)
you are starting a new sexual relationship
it has been a while since your last sexual health check

Many STIs don’t cause symptoms, which is why routine testing is one of the best ways to stay on top of your sexual health.