HEP C
Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus. Over a long period of time this can cause liver failure, cirrhosis, and other liver related injuries which can make people very sick.
HEP C
Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus. Over a long period of time this can cause liver failure, cirrhosis, and other liver related injuries which can make people very sick.
TRANSMISSION
Hepatitis C is passed from the blood of a person who has a Hepatitis C infection.
Blood gets into breaks in the skin or the lining of the nose and mouth. Hepatitis C can live in blood outside the body for many days, which means dried blood can also spread the virus.
Main ways Hepatitis C is passed:
- Sharing equipment for injection, smoking or snorting drugs
- Re-using equipment for tattooing or piercing.
- Re-using medical equipment that was not cleaned properly or only meant for single use.
This is very rare in Canada. - Getting a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1990.
Less common ways Hepatitis C is passed: - Sharing personal items that may have blood on them such as razors, nail clippers, and
toothbrushes. - During sex transmission is not as common but the risk increases during condomless
anal sex, if you use drugs before sex, group sex or any sex where blood is present. - Hepatitis C can be passed from parent to child during childbirth.
TRANSMISSION
Hepatitis C is passed from the blood of a person who has a Hepatitis C infection.
Blood gets into breaks in the skin or the lining of the nose and mouth. Hepatitis C can live in blood outside the body for many days, which means dried blood can also spread the virus.
Main ways Hepatitis C is passed:
- Sharing equipment for injection, smoking or snorting drugs
- Re-using equipment for tattooing or piercing.
- Re-using medical equipment that was not cleaned properly or only meant for single use.
This is very rare in Canada. - Getting a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1990.
Less common ways Hepatitis C is passed: - Sharing personal items that may have blood on them such as razors, nail clippers, and
toothbrushes. - During sex transmission is not as common but the risk increases during condomless
anal sex, if you use drugs before sex, group sex or any sex where blood is present. - Hepatitis C can be passed from parent to child during childbirth.
PREVENTION
- Using new needles, cookers, filters, and water for people who use drugs.
- Using your own pipes and stems for smoking drugs.
- Using your own straws and rolled paper if you snort drugs.
- Before you get a piercing or a tattoo, ask if the ink and equipment are new. If the
equipment is used, ask if it has been sterilized.
PREVENTION
- Using new needles, cookers, filters, and water for people who use drugs.
- Using your own pipes and stems for smoking drugs.
- Using your own straws and rolled paper if you snort drugs.
- Before you get a piercing or a tattoo, ask if the ink and equipment are new. If the
equipment is used, ask if it has been sterilized.
TESTING
Blood tests tell you if you have Hepatitis C. When you first get Hep C, you may not experience any symptoms for years until the liver starts to experience some form of damage.
TESTING
Blood tests tell you if you have Hepatitis C. When you first get Hep C, you may not experience any symptoms for years until the liver starts to experience some form of damage.
TREATMENT
Yes! Hepatitis C treatment cures about 95% of people with Hepatitis C. When Hepatitis C is cured, it stops the Hepatitis C virus from causing further damage to the liver and can make your quality of life better.
Treatment means taking pills for 8 to 12 weeks. If you get cured of Hepatitis C, you are not protected from getting it again if the Hepatitis C virus gets into your body.
Questions about where to access Hepatitis C testing, treatment, prevention supplies? Call our infoline 1-833-561-4009.
TREATMENT
Yes! Hepatitis C treatment cures about 95% of people with Hepatitis C. When Hepatitis C is cured, it stops the Hepatitis C virus from causing further damage to the liver and can make your quality of life better.
Treatment means taking pills for 8 to 12 weeks. If you get cured of Hepatitis C, you are not protected from getting it again if the Hepatitis C virus gets into your body.
Questions about where to access Hepatitis C testing, treatment, prevention supplies? Call our infoline 1-833-561-4009.