Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C
virus, which is carried in the blood. This virus can
cause liver disease, including cirrhosis and cancer.
More than 110,000 people in Ontario are infected
with the hepatitis C virus. Often there are no
symptoms for many years, and about 35,000
Ontarians do not realize they are infected.

How you could become infected
You are at risk of hepatitis C infection if you share
blood. For instance:
Sharing used needles or syringes (for steroid,
prescription or street drug use)
Sharing other drug-using equipment such as
cookers, cotton, crack cocaine and water pipes
(even if you only shared them once or briefly)
Sharing straws, bills or other utensils used for
snorting cocaine or other drugs
Receiving a blood transfusion or blood products
before 1992
Needle-stick injuries
Tattooing, piercing or acupuncture with
equipment that may have been improperly
sterilized
Many of the risk factors listed above are also
associated with HIV (See Co-infection with HIV)
Lower risks of infection:
Sexual activity that includes contact with blood
or exchange of blood
An expectant mother carrying the hepatitis C
virus can infect her unborn baby
Sharing razors, toothbrushes, tweezers, manicure
or pedicure equipment (such as nail clippers)

How to protect yourself from infection
Do not share needles or drug-using equipment
Do not share personal items such as razors,
toothbrushes, tweezers, manicure or
pedicure equipment
Wear protective gloves if you are likely to be in
contact with someone elses blood
Avoid blood-to-blood contact during sexual
activity
If you are getting a tattoo or piercing, make sure
that:
(a) the service you choose is regulated
or inspected
(b) the needle is single-use disposable and has
never been used (if youre getting acupuncture,
make sure the needles are sterile)
(c) all other equipment is sterile

How the hepatitis C virus can affect you
Without treatment, over 80 percent of hepatitis C
infections progress to chronic hepatitis C, a disease
that attacks your liver. After 10 to 20 years, chronic
hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis. After 20 to 40 years it
can cause liver cancer.

Common symptoms
Because hepatitis C progresses slowly, most infected
people experience no symptoms at all for many years
after being infected. If you do have symptoms, they
could include:
Jaundice (your skin or eyes turn yellow)
Itching in different parts of your body
See your health care provider if you believe you
may have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C:What you need to know

How hepatitis C is detected
If you believe you may have been exposed to the
hepatitis C virus, ask your health care provider to
test you. If the results show that you have the
hepatitis C virus in your blood, your health care
provider may order a second test to confirm it. If you
are infected, talk to your health care provider about
treatment options.

Co-infection with HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the
hepatitis C virus (HCV) are both carried in the blood.
Some risk factors are common to both HIV and
hepatitis C; for instance, sharing drug-using
equipment such as needles, cookers, cotton, crack
cocaine and water pipes. If you are concerned that
you may have been exposed by sharing drug-using
equipment, talk to your health care provider about
testing for hepatitis C as well as HIV.

Treatment
There are effective treatments for hepatitis C.
Your health care provider will discuss with you what
treatment is available and assess whether it is
appropriate for you. Treatment takes from 24
to 48 weeks.

How to maintain your health if you have hepatitis C
Get plenty of rest and avoid alcohol. Even moderate
amounts of alcohol will speed up the progression of the
disease and reduce the effectiveness of treatment drugs.
You should also talk to your health care provider
about hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations.
There is no vaccination against hepatitis C.

How to avoid infecting others if you
have hepatitis C
Do not donate blood, organs for transplants
or semen for artificial insemination
Do not share razors, toothbrushes,
tweezers, manicure or pedicure equipment
If you use drugs, do not share needles or other
drug-related equipment
Always remember to tell health care providers
about your condition if it is possible that they
may be exposed to your blood
Avoid blood-to-blood contact during sexual activity


Want to learn more?
For more information:
Call 1-877-234-4343 (TTY 1-800-387-5559)
Visit www.hepContario.ca
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term
Care website, www.health.gov.on.ca/hepatitec