Hepatitis B & C

Together hepatitis B and C represent one of the major threats to global health. Hepatitis B and C are both silent viruses and you could be infected for many years without knowing it. If left untreated, both viruses can lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis), and potentially to liver cancer, liver failure and death.

In some cases, a diagnosis is made too late and the only option is a liver transplant. 1.5 million people die every year from chronic viral hepatitis B or C. If you think you are at risk, it is important that you get tested and consider your treatment options and self management strategies.

Hepatitis B

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises that hepatitis B is one of the major diseases affecting mankind today. Hepatitis B is one of the most common viral infections in the world and the WHO estimates that 2 billion people have been infected with the hepatitis B virus and approximately 350 million people are living with chronic (lifelong) infections.

The hepatitis B virus is highly infectious and 100 times more infectious than HIV. The hepatitis B virus can be found in all major body fluids of infected people, including blood, semen, sweat, tears and even breast milk. Although not all people will have any signs of infection, those that do often experience the following symptoms: 

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
  • Stomach ache
  • Diarrhoea
  • Aching joints 

Unlike hepatitis C, the good news is that there is a vaccine that can prevent infection. If you think you are at risk you should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus that affects more than 180 million people worldwide, 130 million of whom are chronically infected. In 2000 the WHO estimated that approximately 3 to 4 million people are newly infected every year.

Like hepatitis B, the hepatitis C virus is known as a ‘silent killer’ and people can live with the virus for many years without significant symptoms or knowing they are infected. During this time, people may spread the virus to others.

Left untreated over a number of years the virus can lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), and in some cases to liver failure and ultimately death.

Hepatitis C is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact and, similarly to hepatitis B, symptoms can include:

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Aching muscles and joints
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Poor concentration
  • Stomach ache
  • Loss of appetite

View Hepatitis B and C Backgrounder