Hepatitis C

highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis C virus

about

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C.

  • is it
    treatable?

    Hepatitis C is a serious infection and can cause long term liver damage. Recent advances have it possible to clear the Hepatitis C virus in over 90% of treated patients

  • is it
    contagious?

    Yes, Hepatitis C is contagious and can be transferred to you or partner through:

    • through infected blood and blood products
    • unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex
    • sharing drug using equipment with someone that is infected
    • from a pregnant mother to baby

  • who does it
    affect?

    Hepatitis C can be asymptomatic this means that you may not experience any symptoms but symptoms may include flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, nausea (feeling sick), tiredness and/or jaundice.

  • common in
    Ireland?

    There are approximately 700 - 800 new cases of Hepatitis C in Ireland every year (many more do not know they are infected). (HSE)

What is the test
for Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C tests use a sample of blood to detect antibodies made by the body in response to the virus.

Where can I
get this done?

Hepatitis C tests can be performed at a STI clinic, GP clinic or using a home test kit.

What are the
symptoms?

Hepatitis C can be asymptomatic this means that you may not experience any symptoms but symptoms may include:

Female

Flu-like symptoms
Nausea (feeling sick)
Tiredness
Abdominal pains
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Male

Flu-like symptoms
Nausea (feeling sick)
Tiredness
Abdominal pains
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

How is it
treated?

Hepatitis C is a serious infection and can cause long term liver damage. Recent advances have it possible to clear the Hepatitis C virus in over 90% of treated patients.

Other STIs

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Ireland

Gonorrhoea

Also known as the ‘clap’ or ‘drip’ it's a very common infection in both men and women and can cause infections in the genitals, anus and/or throat.

Herpes

Genital Herpes or just ‘herpes’ is caused by a virus and can cause painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding area.

HIV

HIV is a virus called The Human Immunodeficiency Virus that causes HIV infection and over time AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

HPV (Genital Warts)

Genital warts are skin growths and can cause a lot of pain, itching and discomfort.

Syphilis

It is a bacteria passed via direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores usually occur in the mouth, vagina, anus, rectum or external genitalia.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It affects the liver and blood, it is the most common type of viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. It can be fatal if it isn’t treated!

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C.