What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a virus that is carried in the blood and infects the liver, causing long-term inflammation and scarring. The liver performs critical functions in fighting infections, processing toxins and medications, and aiding digestion.
Unlike Hepatitis A and B where most people recover naturally, HCV can persist undetected for years. Vaccines exist for HAV and HBV but there is no vaccine for HCV.
Transmission
HCV spreads through blood-to-blood contact. Transmission routes include:
- Sharing drug paraphernalia (needles, filters, cookers, pipes, straws)
- Reusing piercing, tattooing, and medical equipment
- Sharing personal hygiene items with visible blood (razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers)
- Unprotected sex involving blood
The virus survives up to 16 days outside the body and up to 9 weeks in a needle.
Canadian blood has been screened for HCV since 1990.
Signs and Symptoms
Many people can live with HCV for 20–30 years before experiencing any symptoms. When symptoms appear, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Dry skin
- Brain fog (cognitive difficulties)
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
Testing
Two blood tests confirm HCV: antibody testing and PCR/RNA testing. Talk to your healthcare provider or contact APSS at (306) 924-8420.
Treatment
Approximately 75% of HCV cases require medication lasting 8–12 weeks, combined with balanced nutrition and safer practices. Six HCV genotypes exist, each responding differently to treatments. Reinfection is possible despite prior infection — practising safer behaviours remains important after treatment.