About Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is most often caused by a virus, although there are other causes.
There are several different viruses that cause viral hepatitis, referred to as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Our hepatitis elimination work focuses on hepatitis B and hepatitis C. More information on hepatitis A, D and E, and more in-depth information on hepatitis B and C can be found from the BC Hepatitis Network.
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Hepatitis B
4,912* British Columbians were living with
hepatitis B in 2019.
Hepatitis B vaccines are over 98% effective, but not available to all in BC.
*Action Hepatitis Canada could not provide an estimate of hepatitis B prevalence for BC in their 2023 Viral Hepatitis Elimination Progress Report
Hepatitis B is passed through blood-to-blood contact or through body fluids. If untreated, it can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and other health problems.
Hepatitis B can be acute (illness that lasts only a short time) or chronic (lasting more than 6 months). Often there are no symptoms, or a person may feel like hey have the flu. Blood tests are the only way to know if you have hepatitis B, and to know if you need treatment. Treatment does not cure hepatitis B, but it can prevent liver damage, cancer, and other health complications. Treatment includes oral anti-virals and injections of interferon.
Hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccines. Hep B vaccines are up to 98% effective at preventing infection. In BC, children receive these as infants, or as catch-up vaccines in grade 6. Specific populations can also receive the vaccine for free, or it can be purchased at a pharmacy and may be covered under private insurance plans.
Regular monitoring determines when hep B treatment is needed.
Hepatitis C
13% of British Columbians living with hep C are undiagnosed.
Treating 1,788 people per year will keep BC on target for elimination.
Hepatitis C is passed through blood-to-blood contact. If untreated, it can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and other health problems.
Hepatitis C can be acute (illness that lasts only a short time) or chronic (lasting more than 6 months). Often there are no symptoms, or a person may feel like hey have the flu. Chronic hep C needs to be treated to prevent health problems, even if you feel well. Blood tests are the only way to know if you have hepatitis C.
Hep C treatment is a cure. Direct-acting antiviral medications generally are well-tolerated, and can cure hepatitis C in 8 to 12 weeks. Direct-acting antivirals are over 95% effective at curing hep C, and re-treatment is available if treatment fails or reinfection occurs.
Hep C can be cured with 8-12 weeks of oral treatment!
Everyone living with hepatitis C in BC can access treatment for free.
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