“Hepatitis” literally means “inflammation of the liver”
HCV Is a blood-borne virus, transmitted blood-to-blood, that damages the liver
The liver is a vital organ with over 500 functions – we cannot live without a liver. It is a “non-complaining” organ – it has no nerve endings to feel pain due to damage or injury
The most common way that HCV is transmitted is through sharing injection drug equipment like syringes; it can also be transmitted through contaminated instruments used in tattooing or piercing, or through sharing personal care items like razors, tweezers, clippers and toothbrushes.
HCV can be sexually transmitted but the risk is considered to be low
HCV is a hearty virus and can live up to 4 days on a surface like a table, and can live up to 63 days inside a syringe
Approximately 20% of people who have Hep C have the acute type which presents with symptoms like a severe flu but resolves itself within 6 months; the remaining 80% have chronic Hepatitis C which generally has no symptoms and people can have it for 20-30 years without knowing it
Approximately 3-5% of HCV infected mothers pass on the virus to their babies
Hepatitis A, B and C are completely separate viruses and are only found in humans. There are vaccines for Hepatitis A and B
There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C
There are new drugs like Sovaldi and Olysio that can cure Hepatitis C but they are still very expensive and not available to everyone – consult your doctor
