What is Hepatitis C?
The hepatitis C virus was identified in 1989, and in 1990 a hepatitis C antibody test becam
e available to help identify individuals who may have been exposed. Before 1990, hepatitis C was classified as non-A / non-B hepatitis. Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus. Transmission of the virus may only occur when infected blood from a person enters the bloodstream of someone else. Currently in Australia, hepatitis C transmission occurs principally, but not exclusively, among injecting drug users.
Hepatitis C can be a chronic (long-term) condition. You may have had it for many years without experiencing any symptoms. However, common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, pain under the ribs and intolerance to fatty foods and alcohol. Unlike other hepatitis viruses, hepatitis C does not usually cause illness when you are first infected. Many people are unaware that they have been infected, even after having the virus for many years. There are at least 6 major types of hepatitis C called genotypes (numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 etc.), which are all slightly different.
Routes of transmission include:
- Sharing or using unsterile injecting equipment
- Blood transfusions and use of other blood products prior to 1990
- Unsterile piercing or tattooing
- Occupational needle-stick injuries (health care setting, custodial setting, etc)
- Mother to child
- Other forms of blood-to-blood contact