🩸 Transmission via blood
Hepatitis C is usually transmitted via blood, for example when sharing syringes or having sex with blood contact.
⏳ Long unnoticed
The infection often goes unnoticed for a long time and typical symptoms are often absent or appear late.
💊 Almost always curable
With modern drugs that reliably combat the virus, hepatitis C can now be cured in most cases
🩺 A test brings clarity
- You should have a check-up, especially after high-risk contact, even without symptoms.
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. The virus (HCV) is usually transmitted via blood, for example when sharing syringes, but also during sex if blood is involved. The causes are therefore often of a very practical nature and often an issue in the queer scene. Unlike hepatitis A or B, there is no vaccination against hepatitis C, but the disease is usually easily treatable today.
Symptoms and course of the disease
Most people don't notice anything at first: hepatitis C can remain symptom-free for a long time. When symptoms do appear, they often include tiredness, fever, abdominal pain or yellowing of the skin and eyes. Some people simply have a flu-like feeling. The incubation period - i.e. the time from infection to the first symptoms - is between two weeks and six months.
„How bad is hep C?“ - If left untreated, the infection can permanently damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis or cancer. However, with good treatment, hepatitis C is now curable in most cases.
Infection & transmission
Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted via blood. This happens, for example, when sharing syringes, needles or sharing equipment when using drugs. But it can also happen during sex - especially if blood is involved, for example when fisting, sharing sex toys or when things get rough and minor injuries occur.
How long do hepatitis C viruses survive on surfaces? In fact, they can remain active there for several days - so it's worth cleaning and disinfecting! „How do you get hepatitis C?“ - In short: Via blood, rarely during sex without blood contact, but possible.
Test & diagnosis
Do you want to know if you have hepatitis C? A simple blood test at the doctor's or at the AIDS service organisation will provide clarity. There are also rapid tests, but they are not as reliable as the classic laboratory test. The test looks for antibodies (anti-HCV) and - if these are found - another search is made for the virus itself.
Important: Many people only notice the infection when the liver has already been affected. It is therefore worth having a test if you have been at risk - for example after unprotected sex with blood contact or when sharing syringes.
Treatment & Therapy
Good news: Hepatitis C is now almost always curable! The therapy consists of modern medication that combats the virus in just a few weeks. The side effects are usually manageable and the chances of recovery are over 95 per cent.
Special situations
Pregnancy:
Hepatitis C can be transmitted to the child during pregnancy, but this is rare. Pregnant women with hepatitis C should be closely monitored by a doctor.
Life expectancy & long-term consequences:
If left untreated, hepatitis C can reduce life expectancy because the liver is damaged. With successful treatment, however, the risk is minimal.
Prevention & vaccination
Unfortunately, there is no vaccination against hepatitis C. But you can protect yourself:
- Use gloves and condoms when having sex with blood contact
- Clean sex toys thoroughly after each use
- Never share syringes or accessories when using drugs
- Disinfect surfaces that have had blood on them
Frequently asked questions about hepatitis C (FAQ)
Here you will find answers to important questions about hepatitis C - for example about infection, symptoms, treatment and chances of recovery. The information will help you to orientate yourself better and know when a test or treatment is advisable.
Yes, hepatitis C can almost always be cured today with modern medication. Treatment usually only takes a few weeks and has high success rates. Over 95 per cent of those treated get rid of the virus completely. It is important to recognise the infection early and to follow the treatment consistently. After successful treatment, you are considered cured and the virus is no longer detectable.
The incubation period for hepatitis C - the time from infection to the first possible symptoms - is between 2 weeks and 6 months. However, many people don't even notice any symptoms because the infection often goes unnoticed for a long time. That's why it makes sense to get tested after risk contact, even if you feel healthy.
If left untreated, hepatitis C can become really dangerous: The virus attacks the liver and can lead to serious damage such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer over many years. However, with early treatment, the chances of recovery are very good and most people have no long-term consequences after treatment. The earlier you get tested and treated, the better for your health.
The virus is mainly transmitted via blood. This happens, for example, when sharing syringes, needles or accessories during drug use. However, the risk can also increase during sex with blood contact - for example when fisting, sharing sex toys or when things get rough and minor injuries occur. Transmission during sex without blood contact is rare, but cannot be ruled out.
Yes, there are rapid tests for hepatitis C that you can take at some counselling centres or AIDS service organisations. They provide a result within a few minutes, but are not quite as reliable as the classic laboratory test. If the rapid test is positive, a more precise blood test is always carried out in the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
Yes, pregnancy with hepatitis C is generally possible. In rare cases, the virus can be transmitted to the child during pregnancy or birth. Close medical supervision is therefore important. Talk to your doctor early on about the risks and options in order to protect the child in the best possible way and to keep an eye on your own health.
