Hepatitis C

What is it ?

Hepatitis C is a CHRONIC viral infection of the liver caused by the HCV virus.

Disease transmission

HCV is most often transmitted through contact with infected blood. It may also be transmitted from mother to child at birth, and more rarely during unprotected sexual relations.

Geographic risk zone

Symptoms description

General feeling of illness
Loss of appetite
Stomach ache
Fatigue
In some cases, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), as well as darkened urine

Health impact

Hepatitis C is a serious though not a fatal disease. Nonetheless it should not be underestimated, given the fact that it is chronic. People who become infected will carry the virus for the rest of their lives.

Risks

Roughly 250,000 Canadiens are infected with hepatitis C.
3,200 to 5,000 new cases are reported every year in Canada.
One particularly alarming fact about hepatitis C is that the majority of people infected show no symptoms of the disease.

Prevention

No vaccine that’s licensed in Canada can protect you against hepatitis C. The universal measures we take against disease in general are your only real way of keeping the virus at arm’s length.

Wash your hands thoroughly before you prepare or eat food.
Always wear a condom as protection in sexual relations.
Don’t share objects that may have been contaminated by blood, such as toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, needles or articles used for smoking drugs.
Don’t let your blood come in contact with blood from another person (wear latex gloves).
Before you obtain a tattoo or piercing, or undergo acupuncture, always make sure the materials being used have been adequately sterilized.
Washing with bleach doesn’t always destroy the HCV virus.

If you think you’ve been in contact with HCV, contact your doctor or a healthcare specialist immediately for a consultation. Apart from these measures, a through medical checkup remains the best defence against this disease.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that all travellers consult a travel health specialist before they go abroad. Your specialist will be able to advise you about various resources and options available so that you can protect yourself effectively against this virus.

Vaccination : hepatitis c

Yes

Recommended products

Condoms

Nota Bene

Hepatitis C is one of the most common forms of hepatitis in Canada.
The virus can be transmitted from a mother to her baby.
According to Health Canada, HCV is not transmitted by ordinary familiar contact. Hugging, kissing or shaking hands will not expose you to the risk of contracting this disease. You are also not in danger if you are nearby when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
According to Health Canada, HCV is not found in foodstuffs or water.