About Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a virus carried in the blood that can live outside of the body for up to three weeks. The disease is spread from one person to another through blood-to-blood contact, causing liver damage, liver cancer, or even death if it’s ignored.

A person could have Hep C for 20 or more years without any symptoms. By the time symptoms do appear, liver damage is often advanced. Testing for Hep C isn’t part of routine lab work, but it only takes a simple blood test to confirm that someone has the virus. Each year, more people are dying from Hep C than from other reportable infectious diseases (including HIV), and there is a cure for Hep C!

Adhering to medications is essential to be cured of the virus. There is always a risk of reinfection if an individual continues to engage in risk factors such as injecting drugs, sharing cocaine straws or engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors.

You should be tested for Hep C if you:

• Were born between 1945-1965
• Had a blood transfusion before 1992
• Received a tattoo or body piercing at home or in prison
• Have shared needles or the works
• Live with HIV
• Have snorted drugs

The Trillium Health HIV + Hepatitis C Co-Infection Clinic

For Trillium Health patients who are co-infected with Hepatitis C, an innovative model of care is now available at Trillium Health. All co-infected patients are encouraged to talk with their provider about participating in our co-infection clinic. Our expert medical staff can provide information and advice to assist patients in making an informed decision about receiving Hep C treatment. Eligible patients may participate in a 12-week program that combines educational, fun activities with treatment in a supportive and caring environment.

If you have any questions, or want to get tested for Hep C, give us a call at 454-HEPC!