 
Hepatitis C
Is there a vaccine?
Unfortunately, there is no current vaccine for this virus.
What are the long-term effects?
About 85% of people who have been infected become chronic carriers.
That means the virus stays in their body for years. Chronic
carriers can potentially develop cirrhosis (scaring) of the
liver and even liver cancer. There is treatment that gets rid
of Hepatitis C from damaging the liver about 40% of the time,
but it can be accompanied with serious side effects. It is important
to see your doctor and get tested if you think you may have
come into contact to the virus, because your treatment options
are better the earlier you begin them.
How is it transmitted?
Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood. How?
- Shared Needles and works (spoons and straws included)
- Razors and tooth brushes may contain blood
- Shared and non-sterilized equipment for tattooing and piercing
*If you use injection drugs, whether it is heroin,
steroids, or another substance, when you share your works you
put yourself and others at a very high risk of contracting Hepatitis
C.*
What about sex?
Very few people become infected with Hepatitis C through sex,
but it is possible. Approximately 1% to 3% of Hepatitis C infections
are transmitted through sex, although some recent studies indicate
it may be as high as 10%. This risk is higher if the mucous
membranes are especially irritated (i.e., after a douche, an
enema, or fisting) before unprotected penetration.
How do I stay healthy if I have Hepatitis
C?
The first step is to take care of yourself. Eating well, sleeping,
and reducing stress is a key to staying healthy. Eliminate alcohol,
wine, or beer because they are very hard on the liver. Get vaccinated
for Hepatitis A and B. If you become infected with more than
one type of Hepatitis, it puts even more stress on your liver.
What about surgery?
Since 1992, all blood and blood products have been screen for
Hepatitis. If you had surgery or received a blood transfusion
or blood products BEFORE 1992, you may have been exposed to
the Hepatitis C virus. All Canadians who have received blood
or blood products before 1992 will receive (if they have not
yet received it) a registered letter that tells them they may
have been exposed, and suggests seeing their doctor. If you
receive this letter, it does NOT necessarily mean you have Hepatitis
C, only that you should get tested. Some people who did contract
Hepatitis C from a transfusion or surgery are eligible for financial
assistance from the Government.
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