Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is possibly less easily passed on than Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B, but it can be the most damaging form of the disease.

How it is transmitted

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mainly found in blood, including dried blood, but it can also be present in semen and vaginal fluid therefore, if you get infected blood, semen or vaginal fluid into your bloodstream, you can get Hepatitis C. Sexual transmission of HCV although not common can and does happen.

Until recently, the virus was not thought to be transmitted through unprotected sex but more people have been becoming infected with the virus during sex. You may also be at risk of getting infected with Hepatitis C if you share needles or straws for inhaling cocaine or other drugs, or sex toys or razors.

There is more information for gay men about Hepatitis and how it is transmitted at www.hepinfo.org.

Symptoms

Many of the symptoms of Hepatitis C are similar to those of Hepatitis A and B. They can appear from two weeks to six months after you are infected, and are often mistaken for flu. Although some people get no symptoms at all, you may experience:

• tiredness
• anxiety
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• alcohol intolerance
• pain around the liver
• concentration problems
• feeling sick
• other flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, chills and night sweats.

You may also develop jaundice which makes the whites of your eyes and skin go yellow, your urine go dark and your faeces turn pale.

What can I do if I think I have Hepatitis?

If you think you have Hepatitis you can go to a NHS sexual health clinic. You can read more about clinics and find your nearest one elsewhere on this website. You can also visit one of our Fastest clinics or your local or family doctor (GP).

Recovery

Hepatitis C is much more serious than some other types of Hepatitis and the body is unlikely to clear it on its own. This means that treatment is often used, but it is not always successful. People with Hepatitis C will need to take care of themselves while they are ill and have regular check-ups with a specialist. They should maintain a balanced, low-fat diet and avoid taking drugs and alcohol.

Most people who get Hepatitis C become carriers. However, chronic infection can result in fatal cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against Hepatitis C. You can prevent Hepatitis C from being passed on by using condoms and lubrication when you have anal sex, and not sharing needles, or snorting or pipe equipment.