~ Hep C Facts ~

  • Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. There are several types of Hepatitis (e.g., Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B…. G) caused by different strains of virus.
  • Hepatitis C is the liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Unlike Hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
  • A small percentage (15% to 20%) of people infected with Hep C get rid of the virus within 2 to 6 months. This is called Acute Hepatitis C. However, in the majority of cases (80% to 85%), Hepatitis C progresses to a "Chronic" stage which lasts for a very long time, frequently a person's whole life.
  • In some cases, Hepatitis C is curable with treatment. But, the medication is very hard on a person’s body and does not work for everyone. 10 to 20% of people infected with Hepatitis C will develop cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is an irreversible and potentially fatal scarring of the liver. In severe cases, Hepatitis C leads to liver cancer or liver failure.
  • Hepatitis C is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer, and among the most common reasons for liver transplants in Canada.
  • Although some people may experience symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, pale or bloody stools, dark urine, or jaundice; other people may not experience any symptoms for 20 to 30 years. But, they can still infect others.
  • The Hepatitis C virus is found in the blood, and is transmitted through blood to blood contact. The Hepatitis C virus is a virulent virus that can live in a drop of blood outside of the body for up to 6 weeks.
  • Approximately 5000 Canadians (mostly young) are infected every year
  • You Can get Hep C if you:
  • High risk of getting infected
    • Share needles or drug equipment (cookers, filters, water, etc)
    • Share straws or bills for snorting
    • Get a tattoo, piercing, scarring or branding with unclean equipment or shared ink
    • Take part in any activity that includes contact with infected blood
  • Medium risk of getting infected
    • Share crack pipes
    • Share toothbrushes
    • Share razors
    • Share nail clippers or nail files
    • Get a manicure or pedicure with unclean equipment
    • Share any household object that may have been in contact with blood (e.g., combs and brushes, if sores on scalp)
    • had a blood transfusion before 1990
  • Low risk of getting infected
    • Have unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral)
    • Share joints
  • You Cannot get Hep C from:
    • Donating blood
    • Talking, shaking hands, eating or working with someone
    • Hugs or Kisses
    • Coughs, sneezes or tears
    • Water fountains or toilet seats
    • Insects or animals

The Hepatitis C Virus can also be transmitted from mother to child before and during birth. The chance of the virus being transmitted to the baby is 5-10%, and higher in persons who are co-infected with HIV. It is generally believed that it is okay for women with Hep C to breastfeed. However, women can transmit the virus to their child during breastfeeding if their nipples are chapped or cracked.


Between 70% to 80% of the people who have Hep C don’t know they have it You may not know you have this disease until damage has already been done to your liver. The only way to know for sure is to get tested. Hepatitis C tests are free and confidential in BC. To get tested or for more information, contact your doctor, public health nurse, or ASK Wellness Centre.