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Hepatitis C
information
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Information for Hepatitis C Positive People
Over recent years, hepatitis C
has emerged as a significant health problem in our community. Clinic 275
realises the medical needs of people with hepatitis C infection, and
offers a routine monitoring and follow-up service for people who prefer
not to see a general practitioner for follow-up.
Most people with hepatitis C do not experience symptoms for a long
time, and many never become unwell as a result of the condition. However,
anyone who is hepatitis C positive is at risk of developing liver damage
and its related symptoms.
Monitoring hepatitis C infection is usually a simple routine for
those who remain relatively well, and Clinic 275 is able to offer
this service for people who prefer to use our drop-in confidential clinic
facilities.
A hepatitis C check-up at Clinic 275 involves the following:
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A doctor will ask questions about any symptoms you have been
experiencing. Hepatitis C may cause a number of symptoms, and the
doctor may be able to help you decide whether particular symptoms you
have experienced are related to the condition.
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The doctor will also ask and advise you about factors which may make
liver damage more likely in people who are hepatitis C positive. For
example, alcohol can increase liver damage, so the doctor will ask
about how much alcohol you have been drinking to determine whether it
is a safe level. Also, hepatitis B may cause significant illness in
people who are already hepatitis C positive.
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Many hepatitis C positive people are at risk of other infections
because of events such as injecting drugs or receiving blood
transfusions. The doctor will help determine whether it is necessary
to test for other infections.
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After the doctor has finished talking to you, he or she will perform
an abdominal examination to see if there is any enlargement or
tenderness of the liver, or other signs of liver disease.
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This examination is followed by blood tests to check liver function.
Often these blood tests may be the only sign that liver damage is
occurring. The levels can fluctuate from time to time, so it is
important that your liver function tests be carried out at regular 6
to 12 monthly intervals.
If you have questions about hepatitis C, one of the Clinic 275 health
advisers can spend some time talking over your concerns. They can discuss
ways in which to keep yourself as healthy as possible, and reduce the risk
of transmitting the infection to others. If you feel that other people may
have contracted the infection from you, Clinic 275 is usually happy to
arrange testing for these people—although testing of children is not
performed.
If the results of liver function tests suggest ongoing inflammation of
the liver, Clinic 275 staff are able to arrange a quick referral to a
specialist in infectious diseases (usually at the Royal Adelaide
Hospital). Further investigations or treatment may be required. These are
not carried out at Clinic 275, but Clinic 275 staff will attempt to answer
any questions you have about these issues.
See hepatitis links
for more information about hepatitis C infection. |
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