The basics of hepatitis C, or hep C, start with it being a viral infection. In some ways like hep B, HIV, COVID-19, and many other viruses. There are differences between these viruses, of course, and each virus is unique in how it affects us, and how we can prevent transmission and treat.
Hepatitis C is not common in the general population but is more prevalent in some communities as identified in
public health data.

People who fit in what are called higher-risk populations include:

• Older Adults (people born between 1945-1965)
• Indigenous/First Nations
• Substance use, past and current
• Newcomers/immigrants
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• People who have had medical care in endemic countries. Medical sterilization practices are not
  universal, and according to the WHO remains a significant mode of transmission.

Being a member of one or all these populations does not guarantee that a person will get hep C, and we can all benefit from screening tests to check for exposure, whether in decades past or more recent.

• Hep C is passed from one person to another person through blood-to-blood contact.
• Most more recent cases are from shared substance use devices like needles–more often in recent years, we are seeing more people affected through shared smoking equipment.

Other transmission modes include:

• Vertical Transmission (parent giving birth-to-child )
• Tattoos where shared or unsterilized equipment is used
• Sharing personal hygiene equipment (toothbrushes, razors)
• Rough sex when blood is present.
• Blood spills
• Rarer, occupational exposure through needlestick injury.

Some basic facts about hepatitis C

• Hep C is curable (Minimal side effects in treatment for most people)
• Approximately 25% of people who are exposed to the virus will experience spontaneous clearance (Immune system response defeats the virus)
• People who are immunocompromised, such as with untreated HIV are at greater risk of infection and worsening health outcomes, if not treated cured of hepatitis C (also known as SVR or sustained virologic response).
• Testing is easy, beginning with antibody test, and if positive a second confirmatory test is done to confirm if person has chronic hep C
• Treatment lasts 8-12 weeks for most and is nearly 100% effective