Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a curable liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which may result in acute or chronic infection. While acute infections often clear within 6 months, chronic infections can persist, potentially leading to serious liver damage.

Worldwide, over 170 million people are infected, including about 250,000 Canadians. In 2020, Canada reported 6,736 cases, with higher rates in males aged 30-39 and females aged 25-29. The virus also affects millions of children globally, many of whom are undiagnosed.

What causes Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is caused by the HCV virus, typically transmitted through blood-to-blood contact or sexual contact. High-risk factors include injection drug use, unsafe medical procedures and blood transfusions before 1990. Moderate risks involve multiple sexual partners, sharing personal care items and tattoos or piercings done under unsanitary conditions. Living with conditions like HIV or hepatitis B can also increase the risk of contracting HCV.

Children tend to contract hepatitis C by being born of a mother who is infected, sharing personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, nail clippers or razors) that have infected blood on them, receiving an infected organ during transplant or undergoing long-term kidney dialysis, which may have infected blood in it.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?

It is important to note that most children with Hepatitis C do not have symptoms, but the virus can still be present. In some cases, symptoms take years to manifest.

Common symptoms:

Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Dark urine and pale stool
Flu-like symptoms
Abdominal pain
Jaundice (the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

Other symptoms:

Severe abdominal pain
Blood in stool or vomit
Fluid build-up in the abdomen

How is Hepatitis C diagnosed?

Potential diagnostic measures include:

Blood test (Including Hepatitis C antibody tests and measuring Hepatitis C RNA levels)
Liver biopsy

Patients may need to be admitted to the hospital to undergo the necessary diagnostic measures listed above. This process often involves collaboration among various departments, including hepatology, surgery, nursing, social work and dietetics to ensure comprehensive care.

How is Hepatitis C treated?

Acute Hepatitis C may not require treatment. Instead, your physician may recommend getting rest, eating healthy and drinking plenty of fluids.

If you do require treatment, it will vary based on the infection stage and the individual's needs, with a focus on preventing further liver damage. In this case, treatment often includes oral medications, such as direct-acting antiviral (DAA) tablets. These can take 8-12 weeks to clear the infection.

On the rare occasion that treatment is not successful, and there is progression of liver scarring that leads to liver failure, a liver transplant may be considered to restore liver function.

Please note that people with Hepatitis C are at risk for developing a liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma, which makes seeking treatment essential. Thankfully, there have been wonderful advances in treatment, and Hepatitis C is now considered a curable infection. Currently, the treatment is available for children ages 3 and up.

What happens next?

Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing Hepatitis C and preventing complications.
Regular check-ups, adherence to prescribed medication and lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding high-risk behaviours associated with getting infected with Hepatitis C, are key to improving outcomes.
Support networks and resources can provide additional guidance and assistance in managing the condition.