Can I catch hepatitis C from mosquitoes? Expand No. There is no evidence to say that you can get hepatitis C from mosquitoes. Read this if you want to know more about why mosquitoes can’t spread hepatitis C. Find out more about how to stop yourself from getting hepatitis C References Why mosquitoes don't spread hepatitis. Charles Daniel, Verywell Health Updated 14 MArch 2023
Can I get hepatitis C from sharing food or eating tools? Expand No. The only way you can get hepatitis C is from your blood touching someone else's blood. Find out more about how to stop yourself from getting hepatitis C References: What is Hepatitis C? All Good, ASHM Updated 14 March 2023
Can I get hepatitis C if I hug or kiss someone who has it? Expand No. The only way you can get hepatitis C is from your blood touching someone else's blood. Find out more about how to stop yourself from getting hepatitis C References: What is Hepatitis C? All Good, ASHM Updated 13 March 2023
Can I get hepatitis C through sex? Expand If you have vaginal or oral sex, you're not likely to get hepatitis C. But you're more likely to get it if you have anal sex without a condom. This is because the anus lining is very thin, so the virus can get into your blood. You may also be more likely to get hepatitis C if you: engage in fisting have sex while you or your partner is on their period have sex and have cuts or sores near your genital area engage in rough sex practices that could lead to bleeding share sex toys that are not clean have sex while using drugs through a needle or snorted share lube pots that could transfer blood. The amount of blood needed to pass hepatitis C on may be very small. You might not even be able to see it. Using a condom while you have anal sex means you’re less likely to get hepatitis C. Find out more about how to stop yourself from getting hepatitis C References Hepatitis C information for MSM. The Hepatitis C Trust What You Need To Know: a guide to hepatitis C (booklet). Hepatitis NSW Updated 13 March 2023
Do I need to tell anyone if I have hepatitis C? Expand Normally, it is your choice whether or not to tell people if you have hepatitis C. This includes doctors, dentists and places where you can get a tattoo or piercing. This is because they have rules in place to stop the spread of viruses. There are some times when you must say if you have hepatitis C now, or have had it in the past. These are: before giving blood. You can't give blood if you’ve ever had hepatitis C. when applying for insurance. This could be life insurance or some other types. This is because your health might change whether or not they decide to insure you. members of the Australian Defence Force, including Navy, Army and Air Force. If you apply to join the Australian Defence Force, they will test you for hepatitis C. if you are a healthcare worker who carries out exposure-prone procedures (EPPs). If you do this, you could come into contact with sharp instruments or tissues (such as splinters of bone or teeth) inside a person’s body. Most often this applies to surgeons and dentists. Most healthcare workers do not carry out EPPs. Find out more by reading the guidelines on the Department of Health website. when applying for a visa to live in Australia. Everything you say in a visa application form must be true. You may have to have a hepatitis C test if you are applying to live in Australia. If you wish to donate organs or sperm. You will get tested for hepatitis C before you can donate organs or sperm. Some people with hepatitis C can still donate but others can't. Find out more about your rights and responsibilities References What is Hepatitis C? All Good, ASHM I had hepatitis - can I donate? Australian Red Cross Blood Service CDNA National Guidelines for healthcare workers on managing bloodborne viruses, Department of Health and Aged Care Updated 14 March 2023
Do I need to tell anyone that I am taking medicine for hepatitis C? Expand You don't have to tell anyone that you are taking medicine for hepatitis C. But it is important to check that any other medicines you take will not mix with the hepatitis C medicine. If a different doctor tells you to you take a medicine, you can choose to tell them that you are taking hepatitis C medicine. Or you can ask the doctor who knows that you have hepatitis C about whether the new medicine is safe for you. Sometimes you might not be able to speak with your own doctor. This could be because you are in hospital. So it's a good idea to tell anyone else who's giving you medicine about what else you're taking. Don’t forget to tell the doctor about any herbal or traditional Chinese medicines. Find out more about your rights and responsibilities References What is Hepatitis C? All Good, ASHM Updated 14 March 2023
I don't have hepatitis C anymore. Can I give blood? Expand No. Even though you don't have hepatitis C anymore, you will always have hepatitis C antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that your body makes to fight the virus. When the blood bank tests blood for hepatitis C, they use an antibody test. This means that if you have hepatitis C antibodies they will not be able to use your blood. In the past, any person who had ever used drugs with needles wasn't able to give blood. It didn't matter if they had antibodies or not. This is not true anymore. Find out more about curing hepatitis C References I had hepatitis - can I donate? Australian Red Cross Blood Service Updated 14 March 2023
I have hepatitis C but I feel fine. Why should I worry about getting cured? Expand Even if you feel fine, hepatitis C can still be harming your liver. If you wait until you feel sick, the virus may already have caused a lot of harm. And you might not be able to heal. If you don't get treated, you could get liver failure, severe liver scarring (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. Getting rid of hepatitis C also means you can’t pass it on to others. But you can still get it again if you come into contact with the blood of someone who has it. Many people who have gotten rid of hepatitis C report that they: feel more clear in your mind have more energy feel less worried or anxious Talk to your doctor about the best time for you to start taking medicines. The new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medicines are easy to take and most people have few or no side-effects. Find out more about medicines for hepatitis C References Hepatitis C. Better Health Channel, Victorian Government Department of Health Updated 14 March 2023.
Iâm pregnant and have hepatitis C. Can my baby get it? Expand There is a small chance that babies can get hepatitis C from their mother. This can happen during birth. If you are pregnant and have hepatitis C, you should talk to your doctor. If you are thinking about getting pregnant and have hepatitis C, talk to your doctor. You can clear the hepatitis C first. Taking hepatitis C medicines while you are pregnant may harm your baby. So you can't start taking the medicines until you've had the baby and stopped breastfeeding. Find out more about curing hepatitis C References Management of Hepatitis C in pregnancy. RANZCOG Updated 6 March 2023
Iâve had a blood test. Did I get tested for hepatitis C? Expand Testing for hepatitis C is not part of normal blood tests. You have to ask your doctor. There are two times where testing is a part of the normal blood tests: If you get pregnant, your doctor will test you for hepatitis C. This is a normal part of screening during pregnancy. If you give blood to the blood bank, they will test for hepatitis C. They will tell you if you have ever come into contact with hepatitis C. Read our article: No, you’re not being tested for hepatitis as part of a routine blood test References: Blood testing and safety. Australian Red Cross Blood Lifeblood Updated 14 March 2023
Iâve had hepatitis C medicines before. Can I take them again? Expand Yes. The main types of medicines for hepatitis C are direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). If you've had these before, you can take them again. Your treatment might be a bit different to someone who has never taken these medicines before. You might also need to see a specialist doctor so you have the best chance of getting cured. Find out more about treatment for hepatitis C References What You Need To Know: a guide to hepatitis C (booklet). Hepatitis NSW Updated 14 March 2023
If I get hepatitis C, how likely is it that it will become chronic? Expand About 25% of people who get hepatitis C get rid of the virus naturally. Everyone else (75%) will develop chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis. Find out more about cures for hepatitis C References Testing for Hep C. ASHM Updated 14 March 2023.
If I have hepatitis C, should I get the hepatitis A or B vaccine? Expand Yes. It is safe for people who have hepatitis C to get the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines. In fact, you should get these vaccines to protect your liver from these other diseases that could cause it harm. Find out more about the hepatitis B vaccine Find out more about hepatitis A References Hepatitis A immunisation service, Department of Health and Aged Care Hepatitis B immunisation service, Department of Health and Aged Care Updated 14 March 2023
Is it safe to breastfeed if I have hep C? Expand Yes, so long as you don't have cracked or bleeding nipples. You can't pass hepatitis C on through breast milk. But if you have a cracked or bleeding nipple, stop breastfeeding on that breast. And talk to a midwife. If you want to take medicine for hepatitis C after pregnancy (and after you've stopped breastfeeding), talk to your doctor. You can't take these medicines while you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor can tell you about the benefits and harms. Find out more about how to stop yourself from getting hepatitis C Find out more about hepatitis C treatment References Management of Hepatitis C in pregnancy. RANZCOG Updated 6 March 2023
Is it safe to take herbal medicines or traditional Chinese medicines if I have hep C? Expand It depends on the medicine. But you should always talk to your doctor first, because some of these medicines can harm your liver. If you are taking direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C, some herbal medicines can mix with it. This can be harmful. You might see some people on the internet who say medicines like herbal medicines or traditional Chinese medicine help with hepatitis C. But there is no science that says these medicines help. Find out more about treatment for hepatitis C References Can herbs or natural remedies treat hepatitis C? Healthline. Updated 14 March 2023
Is there a cure for hepatitis C? Expand Yes. You can get something called "direct-acting antivirals" (DAAs). These are on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia. These medicines work for almost everyone and have few or no side-effects. Most people need to take one to three pills daily for 8 to 12 weeks. The amount of time you need to be on the medicines changes from person to person. Find out more about medicines for hepatitis C References General Statement for Drugs for the Treatment of Hepatitis C. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Department of Health and Aged Care Hepatitis C. Better Health Channel Updated 14 March 2023
Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C? Expand No, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. But there are vaccines for hepatitis B and hepatitis A. It's a good idea to have these. They help protect your liver. You can lower your chance of getting hepatitis C by not letting your blood touch someone else's blood. Find out more about how to stop yourself from getting hepatitis C References Hepatitis C. Better Health Channel Updated 14 March 2023
What is the difference between hepatitis B and hepatitis C? Expand Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are different types of virus that damage your liver. They both spread through blood. But people get these two types of viruses in different ways. The treatment for them varies too. Hepatitis B spreads through blood and some body fluids. Most people get hepatitis B at birth or in early childhood. You can also get hepatitis B if you have sex without a condom or have unsafe medical procedures. There is a vaccine for hepatitis B, but you can't get rid of it completely. There is treatment that works really well. This lowers the amount of damage to your liver. Hepatitis C spreads through the blood. Most people in Australia get hepatitis C by taking drugs with a needle. But you can also get it by getting a tattoo by someone who is not a proper tattoo artist. You can get it as well through unsafe medical procedures and vaccination programs, or anal sex without a condom. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. But there are medicines that work well to get rid of it. Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver disease and liver cancer. Find out more about hepatitis B Find out more about hepatitis C References Hepatitis B, All Good, ASHM Hepatitis C, All Good, ASHM Updated 14 March 2023