Hepatitis means inflammation (swelling) of the liver. There are many reasons why this can happen, including infection by a virus. Hepatitis C is one of the viruses which attacks the liver cells and can cause inflammation of the liver. Long-term damage to the liver can happen as a result of this infection. That’s why it’s important for people with hepatitis C to be seen regularly by a doctor or nurse.
Am I at risk of having hepatitis C?
You may be at risk of having hepatitis C infection if you’ve:
- used drugs
- had a tattoo, body or ear piercing or acupuncture
- had medical or dental treatment abroad
- had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1991
- had unsafe sex
- your mother has or has had hepatitis C.
CLDF’s ‘Why should I think about hepatitis C?’ leaflet has more information.
Will I know if I have hepatitis C?
Not necessarily, you may feel well even though you have hepatitis C. Two symptoms that some young people have reported are mild to moderate tiredness and tummy pain.
Is there a test for hepatitis C?
Yes – hepatitis C is diagnosed by blood tests. There are a number of ways in which you can get counselling and testing for hepatitis C. Your GP, nurse or local hospital doctor is usually your first point of contact. He or she may carry out testing or arrange for you to be referred to a specialist hospital. See CLDF’s ‘How can I find out if I have hepatitis C?’ leaflet for more information.
Is there treatment?
At present there isn’t a vaccine to stop you getting hepatitis C. There is a small chance that your body will get rid of the virus on its own. Medicines are used to treat hepatitis C – your doctor or specialist nurse can provide further information and you can order CLDF’s ‘Treatment for hepatitis C in young people‘ leaflet. Lots of research is being done all over the world to find a cure, more effective treatments, and a vaccine.
Why should I have treatment?
Although hepatitis C infection doesn’t make children and young people unwell, it does cause mild liver damage in the early years of life. There is also a small risk of passing hepatitis C to others. Children and young people who become infected with hepatitis C at birth or in early childhood are less likely to lose hepatitis C naturally and may be at risk of liver disease later in life.
Can I pass the virus to someone else?
Yes. But this can be minimised by the way you behave and making sure your blood doesn’t come into contact with other peoples. For example, don’t share razors or toothbrushes and cover up any open wound with a waterproof plaster. Order the ‘Hepatitis C – The Facts’ leaflet for more information.
What effect does hepatitis C have in the long term?
Usually children with hepatitis C remain well throughout their childhood, have mild liver inflammation and no symptoms. As a general guide, children and young people have a slower rate of progression than in adults. If you have hepatitis C its important to go to regular clinic appointments. You can’t know how your liver is just from how you feel.
Can I have a boyfriend / girlfriend?
Yes. For casual or long term relationships you can take precautions to prevent passing the virus and practice safer sex. The risk of sexually transmission of the virus is low (less than 5%) but you and your partner need to be aware of the risks and take precautions.
How can I find out if my baby has hepatitis C?
A test can be done on a baby as early as 6 weeks old but it is better done at 3 months old. A second test needs to be done at 6 or 12 months to confirm the result. If a baby’s mother has hepatitis C there is about a 6% chance that the virus may be passed to the baby at birth and, in some rare cases, before birth. The good news is that most children with hepatitis C usually grow normally and healthily just like any other.
For more information on hepatitis C and how it affects children and young people, contact Children’s Liver Disease Foundation by calling 0121 212 3839 or email info@childliverdisease.org (or visit the contacts page).
CLDF’s C Facts series of detailed information about hepatitis C can be downloaded or ordered free of charge from the ‘C Facts literature’ page.
|
