Hep Check - What is hepatitis C?
Posted 14 November, 2024
Similar Resources
Hep Check – What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C (or hep C) is a virus that can cause inflammation and damage to your liver. If left untreated, it can cause long-term liver disease, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)and liver cancer.
How do you get hep C?
Hep C is spread through blood-to-blood contact. Such as:
- Sharing needles or injecting equipment,
- Getting a tattoo or piercing at home or in jail.
Getting tested
The only way to know if you have hep C is to get a test.
You can have a:
- Blood test, or
- Finger stick test.
Talk to your local clinic to find out what’s available.
Getting treated
Treatment is simple:
- 95% chance of being cured
- Tablets (no injections) for 8 to 12 weeks
- Little to no side effects
- Covered by Medicare and Closing the Gap
- If you have had treatment, you can get hep C again.
Looking after your liver
You can look after your liver by:
- Getting tested if you have put yourself at risk of hep C
- Eat healthy food
- Reduce or cut out alcohol
- Reduce smoking
- Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day
More information
Contact Hepatitis Queensland on 1800 437 222 for more information and support on hepatitis C and liver health.
You can also talk to your doctor or Aboriginal Medical Service.
Similar Resources
