Hepatitis C (HCV)
HCV infection is more serious in
HIV-infected persons. It leads to
liver damage more quickly. Co-infection
with HCV could also affect the treatment
of HIV infection. So, it’s important
to find out if you have HVC. If you
don't have it, find out how to prevent
getting it!
What is hepatitus C? A virus
that causes liver damage.
How do I get it? You can get
hepatitis C primarily by coming in
contact with blood and secondarily
through contact with other bodily
liquids, so:
- Don’t share your drug works.
For example, don’t re-use equipment
for shooting up, like needles, straws,
rigs (the tube connected to the
needle), spoons, water or filters
(pieces of cotton).
- Don’t use old needles for
tattooing or body piercing.
- Don’t share personal hygiene
stuff like razors, scissors or toothbrushes.
- Always have protected sex.
Symptoms: Most people with
hepatitis C don’t really show
many symptoms for a long time. But
having no symptoms does not mean you
don’t have it–and if you
have it, you can still pass it on!
The symptoms you may experience may
be: tiredness, joint pain, stomach
discomfort, yellow skin and yellow
eyes.
Prevention: Make sure you
are using clean rigs, water, spoons
or filters if shooting up (using drugs
that you inject). Always use a new
condom EVERY time you have sex and
use clean needles and ink when tattooing
and piercing. Get your own razor and
toothbrush.
Treatment: Hepatitis C can
be treated, but the treatment is long
and complicated, and there are many
potential side effects to the treatment.
Talk to your doctor about the best
options for you.
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