What is it?
Hepatitis C is a virus that affects your liver. It is spread by direct blood contact such as sharing unclean needles, unsterile tattooing, contaminated blood products or unsterile medical procedures overseas.
Hepatitis C can now be cured and treatment can be given to you by your GP. Treating hepatitis C is important as it will give you a better quality of life, improve your liver health, and reduce your risk of serious liver disease, including liver cancer.
What will my GP do now?
Your GP will check your physical health including the health of your liver. They can then set up a medication plan to treat the hepatitis C. Your GP will choose a medication that targets your specific strain of the virus. Your GP may also discuss self-care to help you improve your overall health and wellbeing.
If you have other medical problems, your GP may refer you to a specialist to oversee your treatment.
What will my GP do in the future?
Treatment for Hepatitis C is as short as 8 to 12 weeks depending on the treatment plan chosen with you. Your GP may see you during this time to make sure there are no issues. After you have finished treatment, your GP will check to see if your hepatitis C is cured.
If hepatitis C is still detectable, your GP will refer you to a specialist. Most people who follow their treatment plans and take their medication every day will clear the virus.
What can I do?
Take your medication every day as directed. Missing more than one tablet per week will decrease the chance of getting rid of the virus. If you are struggling to follow your treatment plan, speak to your GP.
Once cured, it is possible to re-contract the virus. Talk to your GP about strategies to avoid getting it again.
