1. What is Hep C
Dave Stafford

2. What is Hep C Blood Borne Virus
It is a viral infection, that affects the liver.
It causes the liver to become inflamed and prevents the liver working effectively
Different types/ strains of the hep C virus these are called Genotypes
Hepatitis C is more infectious than HIV
Can live out the body for 63 days
It can cause serious health problems like liver disease
There is no vaccine for Hep C

3. How is Hep C Transmitted
It is transmitted through blood to blood contact.
It can be transmitted through:
Contaminated injecting equipment
Contaminated snorting equipment
Contaminated smoking equipment.
Crack pipes
unsafe sex
Blood transfusions
Body piercing/ tattoo
Tooth brushes/ razors
70% of people diagnosed with hep c are injecting drug users in Ireland.

4. Symptoms You can have Hep C and show no symptoms
Most people will show no symptoms when they first are infected, and can go unnoticed for a number of years before showing any.
Some symptoms are: Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Abdominal pain/ swelling
Jaundice
Tiredness/Fatigue
It is very important to get tested for hep c as these symptoms can be related to other illnesses

5. Stages of Infection There are 2 stages of Hepatics C virus
Stage 1 Acute stage:
This occurs right after infection.
Lasts for about 6 months
Only 20% of people will clear the virus in this stage naturally
Can have flue like symptoms or show no symptoms at all.
Stage 2 Chronic stage
When someone is infected for longer than 6 months they enter the chronic stage.
80% of people move into this stage.
Treatment is then required to eliminate the virus

6. Testing
The first test required is a Anti-HCV. This looks for traces of antibodies. If you test positive this does not mean you have the virus, it means you have come in contact.
HCV-RNA: This test will determine if you have the hepatitis C virus.
HCV-Viral Load: This test measures the RNA particles in the blood.

7. Hepatitis A Hepatitis A&B are also viruses that effect the liver
Hepatitis A can be caught through contaminated food and water
Hepatitis A is passed through 1)Dirty hands
2) Bad hygiene
Symptoms of Hepatitis A: Diarrhoea
Vomiting
This can last up to 1-4 weeks
Can only get hepatitis A once in your life
It is not life threatening . People who have liver damage or elderly people can be more severely effected
There is a vaccine for Hep A which will cover you for 10 years

8. Hepatitis B Blood born virus
May have it for a long time without knowing it
Transmitted through unprotected sexual activities and sharing injecting equipment
Symptoms of hep b : Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Exhaustion
Jaundice
There is an effective vaccine which provides 5 years protection