Hep yes, hepatitis C can be treated and cured

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus.

Facts about hepatitis C

• 44% of those living with hepatitis C are unaware of their infection
• 67% of Canadians reported never being tested for hepatitis C ^{Footnote *}
• 44% of Canadians reported that their most recent test was >5 years ago ^{Footnote *}

You could have hepatitis C and not have signs or symptoms.

Protect yourself. Know your risk.

You may be at risk if you:

• shared drug-use equipment, even once
• shared personal care items (e.g., razor or toothbrush)
• were exposed to blood during sexual activity
• had a tattoo or piercing done where non-sterile equipment is used
• lived in a region where hepatitis C is common
• received a blood transfusion or blood products before 1992

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C

But, did you know?

• Hepatitis C can be treated with medication that has cure rates >90%.
• Earlier diagnosis and treatment lead to better health outcomes.
• Early treatment may even prevent liver disease, liver cancer, or cirrhosis.

Testing is quick and simple with a blood test.

Ask your health care provider for a test if you think you could have hepatitis C.

The best way to know is to get tested.

To learn about how to protect yourself and where you can get tested, visit Canada.ca and search 'hepatitis C.'