Hepatitis C Fact Sheet

What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus infects the liver, the part of the body that helps digest food and remove waste from the body. The infection can result in a short-term illness (less than 6 months). However, the majority of people infected develop chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C infection can cause liver failure and liver cancer.

How can hepatitis C be spread?

You can get hepatitis C through direct blood to blood contact with an infected person.

You can get hepatitis C if you:

Ever, even once, share a needle (for injection drug use), straws (for intranasal use), pipes, spoons, cookers and other drug-related equipment
Received a blood transfusion or blood product before 1990. After this date, sensitive blood screening tests were introduced
Have a needle-stick injury with infected blood on it
Engage in unprotected sexual contact and if the sexual activity involves blood to blood contact (e.g., during menstruation, or if there is tearing of the skin)
Are born to a mother infected with hepatitis C
Share sharp instruments or personal hygiene equipment with an infected person (e.g., razors, scissors, nail clippers, nail files, toothbrushes or glucose monitors)
Get a tattoo, body piercing, electrolysis or acupuncture with non-sterile needles

Hepatitis C is not spread by casual contact such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands. It is also not spread by sneezing or coughing. The virus is not found in food or water.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Most people infected with HCV show no symptoms. They are unaware of their infection and may spread the hepatitis C virus unknowingly.

For those who experience symptoms, the most commonly reported symptoms include:

Fatigue
Reduced appetite
Sore muscles and joints
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Jaundice (a yellow colour in the skin or eyes).

How can I know for sure if I have hepatitis C?

Your health care provider can order a hepatitis C blood test for you.

Is there a vaccine to prevent getting hepatitis C?

Currently there is no vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis C infection.

Can hepatitis C be prevented?

Yes. The best way to keep yourself and others safe from getting hepatitis C virus is to:

Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious. Wear latex gloves if you are likely to be in contact with someone else's blood or body fluids.
Avoid blood-to-blood contact during sexual activity. Practise safer sex practices by using latex condoms. If you have hepatitis C, inform your sexual partners.
Disinfect any non-disposable equipment that has been in contact with blood or body fluids. Avoid sharing personal use items such as razors, toothbrushes etc.
Ensure any needles used in tattooing, piercing or acupuncture are sterile. Avoid sharing ink, jewellery or homemade equipment.
Do not donate blood, blood products, organ tissues and semen if you have hepatitis C.

Can hepatitis C be treated?

Yes, especially in the acute phase and in some cases treatment is very important to help minimize complications from the infection. Your doctor can advise if treatment is appropriate for you.

Does hepatitis C affect pregnancy?

There does not appear to be an increased risk of complications in pregnancy when a woman is infected with hepatitis C virus.

Can babies get hepatitis C from their mothers?

Yes, however hepatitis C is rarely passed from a pregnant woman to her baby. About 4 of every 100 infants born to mothers with hepatitis C become infected with the virus. Women, who have larger amounts of the hepatitis C virus in their blood and are also infected with HIV, have a higher risk of transmitting the infection to their baby at birth.

Can a mother infected with hepatitis C breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is not considered a risk for transmission; however, if the nipples are bleeding or cracked, it is recommended that you stop breastfeeding until they have healed.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about hepatitis C speak with your doctor or you can call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600, TTY 416-392-0658.