Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by a blood-borne virus that attacks the liver and is easily spread by sharing drug injecting equipment and also through sex.
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Extreme tiredness
- Itchy skin
- Stomach pain
- Jaundice
- Mental confusion and depression – these are specific to the C strain
Hep C is contracted when infected blood gets into another person’s bloodstream. The most common way to contract it is through shared or unsanitary needles. Hepatitis C can also be transmitted through sex, but it is less common.
Testing is done by a blood draw.
Treatment for Hepatitis C is done through antiviral medication. These antivirals are generally taken once or twice a day for typically 12 weeks.
