Hepatitis C

Question 1

How is Hep C transmitted?

Answer 1

Past through blood:

Sharing needles (90% of cases in UK)
Sexual contact (rare but higher if someone has HIV)
Vertical transmission
Blood transfusions (not anymore- screened out)
Needle stick injuries

Question 2

What percent of those with acute Hep C will go on to develop chronic Hep C?

Answer 2

~80%

*some will develop chronic liver disease/cirrhosis

Question 3

What can chronic liver disease/ cirrhosis result in?

Answer 3

• decompensated liver disease
• hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer)
• transplant
• death

Question 4

What are the symptoms of Hep C?

Answer 4

80% asymptotic (acute/chronic)

20% vague symptoms:
Fatigue
Anorexia
Nausea
Abdominal pain (RUQ)

Question 5

What blood test do you do when testing someone for Hep C? Ie what are you looking for?

Answer 5

Anti-Hep C antibody (shows that someone has the infection/ has had it)

Question 6

Can someone with Anti-Hep C antibody get reinfected with Hep C?

Answer 6

Yes, it does not offer immunity

Question 7

How can you determine whether someone currently have Hep C instead of having had it?

Answer 7

Viral PCR test

If positive this will confirm on going/ chronic infection

Question 8

What is the treatment for Hep C?

Answer 8

CAN BE CURED

8-12 week course of directly acting antiviral drug combination

High chance of recovery, very expensive and does not provide future immunity

**there is NO VACCINE