Hepatitis C
Information for Family & Friends
An information booklet from
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Contents 3
Introduction
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What is hepatitis C?
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How is hepatitis C transmitted?
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Relationships
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Sex and hepatitis C
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Remember!
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Further information
All artwork © r8r (www.flickr.com/photos/r8r)
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Introduction Someone close to you has hepatitis C. Are you confused about your feelings? Do you want to know what might happen to them? Do you wonder if you are at risk? Do you wonder what you can do to help? Remember: people with hepatitis C do not have to tell you about their diagnosis. If they do tell you, it’s because they trust you with the information. They trust you not to tell anyone else without their permission. However, they may still be anxious about your reaction and if that would damage their relationship with you. What you can do: • The best thing is to listen without judging. • Don’t focus on how the person acquired hepatitis C. What’s important is how he/she is going to manage the disease from now; and how you can lend support. • Find out more. Accurate information is critical for you and the person with hepatitis C. Read this booklet. If you still want to know more after that, call the Hepatitis SA Helpline on 8362 8443 or 1800 021 133.
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What is hepatitis C? ‘Hepatitis’ means inflammation of the liver. Many things can cause hepatitis including drugs, alcohol, chemical toxins and a group of virus which mainly affects the liver. Hepatitis C is one of these viruses. Hepatitis C has been present in humans for over 1000 years but it was identified only in 1989. In Australia, screening for the hepatitis C virus in blood products began in 1990. An estimated 170,000 Australians have hepatitis C. In South Australia an estimated 10,000 people live with the virus. Hepatitis C is slow-acting and for most people, will not result in serious disease or death. A number of people may experience no symptoms while others will experience mild to severe symptoms. Many of these appear to be related to the immune system’s response to the virus. These symptoms can include fatigue, lethargy, nausea and discomfort in the abdominal region, feeling ill after consuming alcohol or fatty food and depression. Hepatitis C is different from hepatitis A and B. It is also totally different to HIV and AIDS. One of these viruses does not change into, or lead to, the other, though co-infection with two or more of them can cause complications.
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How is hepatitis C transmitted? Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus. This means it can only be transmitted through blood to bloodstream contact. It is passed on only when blood containing the virus enters another person’s bloodstream. It cannot be passed on by other bodily fluids like saliva, semen, vaginal fluid, tears or sweat. Remember the four principles of blood-borne viral transmission: 1. The virus must be present in the blood, which must leave the body. 2. The virus must survive in the environment in which is has been placed. 3. The virus must be concentrated enough (high enough viral load) to cause infection. 4. The blood carrying the virus must enter the bloodstream of another person. Main Transmission risks: • Sharing injecting equipment such as needles, swabs, water, spoons, tourniquet, etc • Tattooing and body-piercing with non-sterile equipment • Having a blood transfusion before 1990, in Australia • Undergoing non-sterile medical and dental procedures, particularly in countries of high prevalence • There is a very small risk from sharing personal items which may come into contact with blood (i.e. razors and toothbrushes) Chronic hepatitis C usually progresses slowly. It can take decades before symptoms surface, so some people who are now feeling ill may have been living with hepatitis C for a long time.
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Daily household activities Because hepatitis C is only transmitted by blood-to-bloodstream contact, almost every household activity is completely safe. Kissing is safe. Hugging is safe. Sharing food, cups, plates and utensils is safe. Using the same toilets is safe, and so is sharing baths and showers and swimming pools. Hepatitis C is not a sexually transmitted infection. However, there are some situations where blood may be present during sex. (See section on Sex and Hep C ) To be on the safe side, do not share personal care items like toothbrushes, razors, tweezers or nail clippers. These items may sometimes get small – perhaps unnoticeable – amounts of blood on them. Make sure all in the household understands that they should use only their own items. This is especially important for young children who may have trouble understanding the risks and teenagers who might otherwise help themselves to razors without your knowledge.
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Here are some simple rules which everybody in the community should follow, whether or not they have a blood-borne virus: 1. Wash hands before and after attending to your own or another person’s personal care. 2. Never share personal grooming items. 3. Wear disposable ‘hospital-style’ latex gloves when you help someone to patch up an injury or to clean up a blood spill. These gloves can be bought in most chemists or supermarkets. 4. Clean up blood spills immediately. Use paper towels to mop up the blood, then wash the area with detergent and cold water (as hot water may make the blood set). If there’s a possibility of bare skin contact on blood-stained hard surfaces, clean with bleach then dry the area with a clean paper towel. 5. Dispose of blood waste products (Bandaids, bandages, bloodstained tissues, swabs, tampons, pads, etc) by putting them in a plastic bag and tying it shut. Put the sealed bag straight into an outside bin with a lid, so that children or pets can’t get at it. 6. Your intact skin is your first line of defence against bloodborne viral transmission, so remember to cover any exposed sores or wounds with waterproof sticking plasters or dressings (such as Bandaids). Remember that even if two or more people in a household have hepatitis C, it is still important to follow these rules. Each person could have a different strain (genotype) of the virus and could contract another. Having more than one genotype of hepatitis C can complicate treatment and health maintenance.
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Image © Punk Ahoy!
Relationships A diagnosis of hepatitis C can affect a person in a number of ways. Some people feel that it will have little impact on their life, and cope well. Many others feel devastated, isolated and angry. They go through a grieving process. A person who discovers that they have hepatitis C may well be anxious about how others will respond to this diagnosis. If someone close to you has hepatitis C, this is why she/he will need your support. Although people with hepatitis C do not have to tell their partners, friends or family that they have the virus, most will choose to do so at some point. When someone close to you reveals that she/he has hepatitis C, you too may experience emotions that are difficult to handle. You may even grieve. This is normal. Some people may benefit from counselling or talking with people who are aware of the impact of living with hepatitis C. There is no reason for a hepatitis C diagnosis to damage your relationship. Keep communicating and find out as much information as you need to alleviate your concerns. You can get free, non-judgemental and confidential information from the Hep C Info and Support Line (8362 8443 or 1800 437 222 for SA regional callers). You could also be referred to other appropriate services including counselling services.
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Sex and hepatitis C Hepatitis C is not a sexually transmitted infection. However care may be needed in the rare instances where blood may be present during sex such as during menstruation, unprotected anal sex and unusually traumatic or dry sex, or if some sexually transmitted infections are present. If you or your partner has any condition that involves broken skin, ulcers, blisters or sores, especially on the genitals, fingers or mouth, this may also mean some blood is present during sex. Where blood is present, safer sex practices are advisable. This includes using condoms or dental dams. It is useful to know that studies over long periods of time have shown that it is incredibly difficult to get hepatitis C through sex. Having the hepatitis C virus does not directly reduce a person’s sex drive. However, because tiredness is one of the possible symptoms of hepatitis C, a person with the virus may be less inclined towards the sorts of things she/he usually enjoys, including sex. If this is the case with your partner, it’s important to talk about the situation and to be open and honest about your feelings. Sex during treatment for hepatitis C Some hepatitis C treatments can cause birth defects, and contraception is needed for a time period before, during and after treatment. Treatment of pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those planning to become pregnant in the near future, is not recommended.
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Remember! Hepatitis C can be a serious illness, but it is not a death sentence. Most adults living with hepatitis C can now be cured, thanks to a range of new treatments called direct-acting antivirals which were made available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in early 2016. These treatments have a 95% cure rate. Hepatitis C is actually quite hard to contract. If you take sensible precautions, it is almost impossible for you to get it from someone else. If someone close to you has hepatitis C, she/he needs your support. Remember that communication is one of the most powerful ways to help.
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Where can I go for more information? Hepatitis SA is the first stop for information on hepatitis C. It provides information and support to those affected by the virus, including family and friends. The council also runs a fortnightly peer support group and an Info and Support Line available weekdays 9 am to 5pm. Phone: 8362 8443, or 1800 437 222 (SA regional callers) Email: admin@hepsa.asn.au You can also get significant amounts of information on the internet, starting with Hepatitis SA’s website: www.hepsa.asn.au Other free services for South Australians affected by hepatitis C include: MOSAIC: A Program of Relationships Australia (SA) Free and confidential counselling for people with hepatitis C. Daytime and evening appointments are available. Telephone counselling is also available for people living in rural or regional SA. Living Well with Hepatitis C courses are also offered throughout the year. Phone 8223 4566 and ask for MOSAIC PEACE: Personal Education and Community Empowerment—A Multicultural Program PEACE provides support, education, information and referral services for people from non-English speaking backgrounds affected by, or at risk of, hepatitis C and/or HIV infection. Phone 8245 8100 and ask to speak to someone from the PEACE program.
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We can help. Talk to us.
Information Support
1800 437 222 hepsa.asn.au
Hepatitis SA
Ph 1800 437 222 or (08) 8362 8443 Kaurna Country 3 Hackney Rd Hackney SA 5069 PO Box 782 Kent Town SA 5071 www.hepsa.asn.au
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Last update: Aug 2021 SA Health has contributed funds towards this Program.
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Hepatitis C: Information for Family & Friends
Free hepatitis A, B and C information, confidential and non-judgemental support, referrals and printed resources.