Hepatitis C (Hep C) was first identified in 1989. Before then, it was referred to as non-A, non-B hepatitis or post-transfusion hepatitis. Hep C affects millions of people around the world. It is a slow acting virus that affects the liver. The majority of people living with Hep C will not experience serious disease or death as a result of their Hep C.

Of the expected 16,000 new infections each year in Australia:

• 90% will result from the sharing or re-using of drug injecting equipment contaminated with infected blood, and
• 10% result from unknown risk factors which involve blood-to-blood contact like tattooing and body piercing with equipment that has not been sterilized properly, physical violence, shared razors or toothbrushes that have blood on them, or sexual acts involving blood to blood contact.

A test to screen the Australian blood supply for Hep C antibodies was introduced in 1990. Prior to 1990, up to 10% of new infections occurred in recipients of blood transfusions and blood products.

Research has shown that approximately 25% of people with Hep C will clear the virus within 2 - 6 months of becoming infected; however, they will continue to carry antibodies to the virus. The other 75% of people who do not clear the virus will have an ongoing or chronic (long term) infection. After 20 years, up to 10% of the people with chronic Hep C will develop cirrhosis¹. This rises to up to 20% of people after 40 years. See Hepatitis C Timeline.

People who clear Hep C from their bodies are not at risk of chronic liver disease unless they are re-infected with the virus. There are approximately 6 different strains of Hep C. These strains are called genotypes² . A person can become re-infected with the same, or with more than one genotype.

To date, there is no vaccine to protect against infection with Hep C.

Treatment is available to clear the virus but it may take a long time to complete and may not be effective in some people. Hep C treatment can also have some serious side effects such as depression. If you would like to know more about Hep C treatment or other user-friendly info - contact your local user group or Hepatitis Council.

Be blood aware and take care!

National Hepatitis C Manual, p.10

^{(1) Extensive and permanent scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis interferes with the normal functioning of the liver. Approximately 2% of people with Hep C develop cirrhosis.}

^{(2) Genotype is a term used to describe the specific genetic structure of hep C. The classification scheme most often used divides hep C into 6 major genotypes (1-6), each are further subdivided into subtypes (1a, 1b, 2a, etc.). Genotypes are closely related in their genetic make-up but different enough that scientists have classified them into distinct groups.}