• Protect your liver
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Coping with the disease
• Caring for someone with Hepatitis C
• Preventing transmission to others
• Know your rights

If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, there are a number of ways in which you can limit the progression of the disease. For example:

Protect your liver

• Stop drinking altogether or limit the amount of alcohol that you drink. If you have the hepatitis C virus, your risk of developing cirrhosis is higher if you are a heavy drinker. If you find it difficult to manage your alcohol intake, seek advice from the Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment.
• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. If you are already infected with hepatitis C, your condition can become more serious if you are also infected with hepatitis A or B. If you are infected with hepatitis C or at high risk of being infected, hepatitis A vaccine is free of charge through your local Public Health Unit.

Maintain a healthy weight

• Maintaining a healthy weight for your height will help you respond more positively to treatment for hepatitis C
• Try to maintain a healthy weight by exercising and controlling your calorie intake. People with hepatitis C who are overweight may increase the likelihood of fatty deposits in their liver, which could worsen their condition. To find out more information about maintaining a healthy weight, visit Health Canada or Ministry of Health Promotion for more information
• In addition, make sure to speak with your health care provider if you are planning to take any new medications, whether prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal

Coping with the disease

When diagnosed with hepatitis C, some people feel isolated or depressed and don't know who to talk to about their illness. Some people also have feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, self-pity, fear, and anxiety, or blame themselves for past behaviours.

If you feel you are unable to talk to your friends or family about your illness, your health care provider can help you find counseling services in your area.

Other resources
Canadian Liver Foundation


Caring for someone with hepatitis C

If you are living with hepatitis C, or if you know someone who has been diagnosed, the first thing to do is learn all you can about the disease; for example, how it is transmitted, symptoms (see About Hepatitis C) and potential risk factors for yourself. People cope better with the discomforts of treatment if they have the support of family and friends. The symptoms of hepatitis C can vary significantly from person to person, ranging from no obvious symptoms to severe pain, fatigue and depression.

If you are having difficulties coming to terms with having hepatitis C, or if you are caring for someone with the disease, your health care provider may be able to offer support directly or refer you to a counselor.



Preventing transmission to others

• Do not share needles or drug-using equipment
• Wear protective gloves if you are likely to be in contact with someone else's blood
• Avoid blood-to-blood contact during sexual activity
• Do not share personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, tweezers, manicure and pedicure equipment such as nail clippers
• If you are getting a tattoo, piercing or acupuncture, make sure that:
  • the service you choose is regulated
  • the needle is single-use disposable and has not been previously used
  • all other equipment is sterile

Sexual transmission of hepatitis C is uncommon. However, it is possible for hepatitis C to be transmitted during sex if blood- to-blood contact occurs. If you are infected, consider telling your sexual partners.

It is important to think about how your sexual practices might result in blood transfer between you and your partner, then take steps to reduce these risks. Rashes and other skin conditions such as eczema can create openings for blood-to-blood contact, so be aware of any openings or sores around your mouth, genitals or other regions of your body before engaging in sexual activities.

Long-term partners of people with hepatitis C should consider getting tested.

If you are undergoing drug treatment for hepatitis C, it is important to use contraceptives for the duration of your treatment and for six months thereafter. These drugs can cause severe birth defects: Ribavirin, for instance, has been detected in semen, and men taking this drug may father children with birth defects or induce fetal loss.


Know Your Rights

Ontario Human Rights Commission
www.ohrc.on.ca