Hepatitis C factsheet
Introduction
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a slow-acting virus that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. HCV is spread through contact with infected blood.
Children and teenagers can get HCV from:
- sharing needles
- tattoos or piercings with equipment that is not sterile or free of germs
- receiving a blood transfusion in countries with high rates of HCV
- sexual contact
- vertical transmission – when HCV is passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or birth.
There are six main types or genotypes of HCV, with genotypes 1 and 3 being the most common in Australia.
Signs and symptoms
Most children with HCV have no symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they may include:
- loss of appetite and energy
- pain on the upper right side of the belly, where the liver is
- vomiting
- fever and rash
- jaundice - yellow skin and eyes
- dark urine and pale or white poo.
HBC can lead to severe illness in adulthood, including:
- cirrhosis - scarring of the liver
- liver cancer.
It is hard to tell which children may develop serious liver disease, so medical care is important.
Diagnosis
HCV is diagnosed with two blood tests:
- HCV antibody test – done at 18 months to check for exposure to the virus
- HCV RNA PCR test – from 2 months old to check for the virus and how much is in the blood.
Children and teenagers should be tested if they:
- were born to a mother with HCV
- show symptoms
- have unusual liver test results
- are at high risk from activities like:
- sharing needles
- getting piercings or tattoos with equipment that is not sterile or free of germs
- unprotected sexual contact
- sharing hygiene tools like razors or toothbrushes.
Treatment
In some cases, children can clear HCV on their own without treatment. If the infection lasts more than six months, it is called chronic HCV.
Children with chronic HCV should be treated at a specialist clinic by:
- a paediatric liver specialist
- an infectious diseases specialist.
Treatment depends on the child’s age and ability to take tablets. It may include:
- oral antiviral medicine
- regular check-ups.
Regular care for HCV also includes:
- liver scans and tests
- yearly PCR tests to track or confirm that the virus has been cleared
- getting education on how to avoid spreading HCV
- keeping up to date with vaccinations, especially for hepatitis B and A.
Some children need extra care if they:
- take medicines that affect the liver
- have liver conditions like cirrhosis, fatty liver, or metabolic syndrome
- have heart problems
Severe liver disease in children is rare but can develop over many years of HCV infection.
Management
Prevention
There is no vaccine to prevent HCV.
To prevent HCV:
- practise blood safety
- educate teenagers about risky behaviours like sharing needles or unprotected sex
- keep your child up to date with routine immunisations
- ensure they receive hepatitis A and B vaccines to protect their liver.
Blood awareness and safety
If your child has HCV, it’s important to handle blood and body fluids safely.
To prevent the spread of HCV:
- do not share hygiene equipment like razors or toothbrushes
- wear disposable gloves when cleaning blood or fluids
- clean spills with a paper towel, then with detergent and cold water or bleach.
It’s a good idea to tell your child’s doctor and dentist about the HCV infection so they can treat your child safely.
You may need to tell people about your child’s HCV status when:
- donating blood
- applying for a visa
- applying for some types of insurance.
Speak to your child's doctor or specialist clinic if you are unsure.
Breastfeeding
HCV is not spread through breast milk. It’s safe to breastfeed unless your nipples are cracked or bleeding.
If your nipples are cracked or bleeding:
- stop feeding from the affected nipple
- express and discard milk
- return to breastfeeding from the affected nipple once healed.
Speak to your doctor if you are unsure.
title
Hepatitis NSW
title
Hepatitis Australia
