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How do I know if I have hepatitis C?
Transmission and risk
Hepatitis C (or hep C) is an easily-cured liver infection, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hep C is only passed on through blood-to-blood contact. This is when the blood of someone with hep C gets into someone else’s blood stream.
The most common ways hep C is passed on is through:
- Sharing needles and syringes, or any drug injecting equipment.
- Backyard and prison tattooing and piercing.
See our page How do you get hep C for more information on hepatitis C transmission and risk.
Signs & symptoms
Hep C is usually a slow acting virus. People with hep C may have no symptoms for years. The only way to know if you have hep C is to get tested. Hep C tests are not part of the common tests your doctor will give you. If you think you’ve been at risk for hep C, you will need to ask your doctor for a hepatitis C test.
Testing for hepatitis C
The only way to know if you have hepatitis C is to get tested.
If you think you’re at risk for hepatitis C, you will need to ask your doctor for a hepatitis C test. Take a look at our NSW Services Directory to find a hepatitis C testing doctor near you.
What to do if you think you might have hep C
If you think you might have hepatitis C, it’s important to get tested, so you can get cured.
There are excellent hep C treatments available. These treatments:
- Cure over 95% of people
- Have very few side-effects
- Take only 8 or 12 weeks
- Are pills only (no injections)
- Are covered by medicare, so very low cost
- Can be prescribed by local clinics and doctors .
Contact the Hepatitis Infoline or talk to your doctor for more information
Have a question about testing and treatment for hepatitis C? Contact the free Hepatitis Infoline or download one of our free online resources now.
If you think you have been at risk for hepatitis C, please talk to your doctor. Our resources don’t replace advice from a medical professional.
