Yes You Can! Hepatitis B & C Fast Facts

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Yes You Can!

HEPATITIS B & C FAST FACTS Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are the leading causes of liver cancer in Australia.

Hepatitis C can be cured. For most people, treatment consists of tablets taken daily for 8 or 12 weeks.

There is a safe and effective vaccine for hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B and C are diagnosed with blood tests. A GP or health clinic can provide a referral for testing.

There is currently no cure for hepatitis B, but with regular monitoring and proper care, it is possible to live a full, normal life with hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C can also be tested using a drop of blood taken with a nger-stick, with results in an hour. Call Hepatitis SA on 1800 437 222 to nd where these tests are available.

Stop B. Cure C. Yes You Can! More information: 1800 437 222 or hepsa.asn.au HEPATITIS B

HEPATITIS C

220,000 people are living with chronic hepatitis B in Australia, 11,400 of them in South Australia, 1 in 3 of whom are undiagnosed.

120,000 people are living with hepatitis C in Australia, about 9000 of them in South Australia. 1 in 5 people with hepatitis C are undiagnosed.

Without proper care, 1 in 4 people with hepatitis B will develop liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

20-30% of people with chronic hep C will develop liver cirrhosis. Hepatitis C is spread by blood to bloodstream.

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Hepatitis B is spread via blood and body uids.

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Most people with chronic hepatitis B got it as children during birth or in households via open cuts and scratches.

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Not everyone with hepatitis B needs treatment.

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Everyone with hepatitis B needs 6-monthly checkups so that treatment can start if and when needed.

This may be during: Ÿ

sharing injecting equipment,

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body art and piercing with unsterilised equipment,

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non-sterile medical, dental or cosmetic procedures,

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unprotected sexual activity where blood is present.

Hepatitis B and C are not transmitted via hugs, kisses, sneezes, coughs, saliva, food, drink or faeces.

Test your knowledge! hepsa.asn.au/stopbcurec

Say Goodbye to hep C Thrive with hep B


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