Viral Hepatitis Screening and Treatment
Overview
Hepatitis
"Hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver and also refers to a group of viral infections that affect the liver. The most common types are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a virus that attacks your liver. You can get it by coming in contact with infected faeces, which may enter your mouth (examples: drinking unclean water, not following correct hand washing procedures, sexual practices). You may only get flu-like symptoms. Some people may develop jaundice, a condition where the skin turns yellow. The illness does not last long. You will recover from hepatitis A completely. Once you have had hepatitis A you cannot get it again.
Further information: https://www.hepatitisaustralia.com/hepatitis-a
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks your liver. You can get it, by coming in contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids (examples: unprotected sex, sharing injecting equipment, blood to blood contact, mother to child). You may not know that you have hepatitis B, as you may not have any symptoms. Living with hepatitis B can lead to liver damage when you get older, so getting tested is the first step to good health. Treatment is available to prevent long-term liver damage.
Further information - https://www.hep.org.au/hep-b/
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks your liver. The hepatitis C virus lives in the blood of infected people. You can get it by coming in contact with infected blood, which has to enter your blood stream. (Examples: sharing injecting equipment, blood rituals, unsterile tattooing and piercing, blood transfusions). You may not know that you have hepatitis C, as you may not have any symptoms. Living with hepatitis C can lead to liver damage when you get older, so getting tested is the first step to good health. Treatment is available to prevent long-term liver damage.
Further information - https://www.hep.org.au/hep-c/what-is-hep-c/
HIV
HIV is the virus that attacks your immune system. You can get HIV, by coming in contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. (Examples: unprotected sex, sharing injecting equipment, blood to blood contact, mother to baby). You may not know that you have HIV, as you may not have any symptoms. Without treatment, your immune system will weaken and you can get very sick. Getting tested is the first step to good health. Medicine is available to keep your immune system strong. People with HIV who take medication have a normal life expectancy.
Services provided
Our service provides testing, assessment and treatment for blood borne viruses, such as hepatitis and HIV.
We also offer education, support and advocacy regarding hepatitis and HIV.
How to access
To make an appointment, call 1300 652 226 or drop into the service during opening hours.
Getting tested
A Dried Blood Spot (DBS) test is a free, convenient, effective and confidential test to check for HIV and Hepatitis C. The DBS test is a painless finger prick. It only takes five drops of blood.
DBS testing is now available here! * Conditions apply
For more information, ask one of our staff or go to: www.hivtest.health.nsw.gov.au or https://endinghiv.org.au/test-often/all-about-testing/#
Hepatitis C Treatment
Treatment for Hep C has improved greatly and has never been easier. Cure rates are now around 97%. Treatment duration is a short as eight weeks. There a few to no side effects.
Treatment is free * only pay the cost to fill a script.
To make an appointment, call 1300 652 226 or drop into the service during opening hours.
HIV
There are ways to keep yourself safe. To find out more information, speak to one of our nurses or doctors or make an appointment at the Sexual Health Service on 02 4223 8457.