Viral Hepatitis C

Viral hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, spread through contact with infected blood. It frequently becomes a chronic infection and can lead to serious liver damage over time, but it is now curable with modern antiviral medicine.

• Acute infection often causes no symptoms or only mild, non-specific illness
• Chronic infection is often silent for years, sometimes with mild fatigue
• Advanced liver disease from long-standing untreated infection can cause jaundice, abdominal swelling, and easy bruising or bleeding

• Caused by the hepatitis C virus, transmitted primarily through contact with infected blood — such as sharing needles, receiving unscreened blood products, or exposure to unsterilised medical, dental, or cosmetic equipment.
• Less commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact or from mother to baby during childbirth.
• Unlike hepatitis B, there is currently no vaccine against hepatitis C.

• Diagnosed with a blood test for hepatitis C antibodies, followed by a confirmatory test (such as a viral RNA test, where available) to confirm active infection, since antibodies alone can reflect a past, cleared infection.
• Liver function tests and, where available, assessment of liver scarring (fibrosis) help guide management.

Modern direct-acting antiviral medicines, taken as an oral course typically for 8 to 12 weeks, cure the large majority of hepatitis C infections and are far better tolerated than older treatments.

Treatment eligibility and choice of medicine are guided by a specialist, taking into account viral characteristics and the degree of liver disease.

People with advanced liver disease (cirrhosis) require ongoing monitoring for complications, including liver cancer, even after successful treatment.

Avoiding alcohol supports liver health during and after treatment.

• Avoid sharing needles, razors, or other items that may carry blood.
• Ensure medical, dental, and cosmetic procedures use properly sterilised equipment.
• Use condoms consistently, particularly with new or multiple partners, to reduce the lower but present sexual transmission risk.
• Anyone with a history of injecting drug use or receipt of blood products before widespread screening was available should consider testing for hepatitis C.