Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection rarely spread through sexual contact. This page outlines the symptoms and treatment for hepatitis C.

What is it?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver.

How do you get it?

You can get hepatitis C through contact with infected blood, sharing needles, syringes and any other equipment and, possibly, through sexual contact. You can also get it with a blood transfusion in countries that do not pre-test blood for transfusion.

What are the symptoms?

Although there are often no symptoms, these can include:

  • tiredness
  • yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (rarely)
  • dark urine
  • mild flu-like symptoms
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea.

How is it treated?

Hepatitis C is treated with rest, exercise, and eating a well-balanced, low fat diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Alcohol and using intravenous drugs should be avoided. Some antiviral treatments are now available. Talk to your doctor about these.

Will it impact my partner/s?

Sexual and needle-sharing partners can have a blood test to check for hepatitis C antibodies.


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