Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by a virus that is carried in the blood and infects the liver. A blood test for Hepatitis C has only been available since 1990 and many people who test positive for Hepatitis C were infected before this. Before specific testing was available, the condition was known as 'non-A non-B hepatitis'. There is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C infection.
Acute Hepatitis C
Most Hepatitis C infections do not cause symptoms. However, acute Hepatitis C occurs in a few people soon after they become infected. It is usually a short illness with jaundice (skin and eyes turn yellow), nausea and a general feeling of being unwell. Most people recover completely from this illness, but the Hepatitis C virus may remain in the body for life.
Chronic Hepatitis C
Most people with chronic Hepatitis C infection have mild damage to their liver. Many have no symptoms. Others have mild symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort, feeling tired or occasional nausea. In some people, symptoms are more severe, and the virus may cause scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver. This seems to be more common when another cause of liver damage is also present (e.g. alcohol, Hepatitis B). Cirrhosis usually develops many years after the initial infection with Hepatitis C.
Treatment
Treatment is available for some people with chronic Hepatitis C. There are side effects and the treatment is not effective in all cases; you should discuss this with your doctor. Blood tests are used to check the liver regularly. If these liver function tests are persistently abnormal, it indicates that the liver has been damaged and you may be referred to a specialist for treatment.
| Medicare Rebate available: | Yes |
| Specimen Type required: | Blood |
| Results available from your Doctor: | 5 - 7 days |