Hepatitis C: What You Need to Know
What Is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which spreads mainly through blood-to-blood contact. Unlike some other viral infections, hepatitis C does not always cause symptoms at first, but it can lead to serious long-term liver disease if untreated.
How Common Is It?
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates around 50 million people are living with chronic hepatitis C. In Australia, it is estimated that over 100,000 people currently have the infection. Many are unaware of it, as early stages are often silent.
How Does Hepatitis C Affect the Body?
Hepatitis C causes inflammation of the liver. Over time, this can result in:
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Liver fibrosis (scarring)
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Cirrhosis (severe scarring that affects function)
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Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
Not everyone will progress to these stages, but without treatment, the risk increases significantly.
Symptoms
Many people do not notice symptoms until liver damage has already occurred. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
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Fatigue
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Nausea or poor appetite
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Abdominal discomfort
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Dark urine or pale stools
How Is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a blood test that looks for HCV antibodies and confirms active infection through detection of the virus’s RNA. If infection is confirmed, further tests may check liver health and whether damage has occurred.
Treatment
Modern treatments for hepatitis C are highly effective. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medicines can cure more than 95% of cases with just 8–12 weeks of tablets. These treatments are available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia, making them accessible to most patients.
What To Do If You Are Concerned
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See your GP: A simple blood test can confirm whether you have hepatitis C.
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Get tested if at risk: People who have ever injected drugs, had blood transfusions before 1990, or have been exposed to blood in health or community settings should be tested.
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Do not panic: The infection is now curable in the majority of cases.
What Not To Do Until You Have a Diagnosis
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Do not self-medicate with herbal or over-the-counter remedies, as some may harm the liver.
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Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can accelerate liver damage.
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Do not assume you are clear of infection just because you feel well; always confirm with a blood test.
Outlook
With early diagnosis and treatment, hepatitis C can be cured in most people. This prevents long-term liver damage and greatly improves quality of life.
References
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World Health Organization. Hepatitis C. Fact sheet, 2024.
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Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Hepatitis C in Australia.
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European Association for the Study of the Liver. Clinical Practice Guidelines on Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Journal of Hepatology, 2024.