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What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver.  The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person.  This means that somehow blood infected with HCV got into your blood stream.  For most people infection will not result in any symptoms, serious disease or death.  If you have symptoms, they are usually mild and may include fatigue, lack of energy, nausea, reduced appetite, abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes).  It is thought that approximately 20%-40% of people are able to fight off the disease, with 60-80% of people developing a chronic infection.  Chronic Hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer over time.  Determining whether you have chronic Hepatitis C requires several blood tests.

Will my baby get Hepatitis C?

The risk of transmitting Hepatitis C to your baby while pregnant or during delivery is in the range of 5-10%.  The rate of transmitting Hepatitis C depends on many factors including the amount of virus in your blood, and whether or not you have HIV as well.  For mothers who are HCV RNA negative (have no detectable virus in the blood) the rate of transmission is <5%. 

Can I breastfeed my baby?

Yes.  Hepatitis C virus has been found in colostrum (fluid released in the early days of breastfeeding) and in breast milk, however, there have been no cases where breastfeeding is known to have transmitted the virus.  If you have cracked or bleeding nipples, you may choose to avoid breastfeeding until they have healed.  Consult with an expert in breastfeeding, such as a public health nurse, to help you figure out why your nipples are cracked.  If you are co-infected with HIV, breastfeeding is not recommended.

Can I hug and kiss my baby?

Yes you can!!!  Touching your baby is very important both for the baby and for you.  Hepatitis C is not spread through saliva or through touch, but is spread through blood.  HCV is usually spread from mother to baby while you are pregnant, or during the birthing process.  Transmitting Hepatitis C within a household is extremely rare.  As your baby grows, you will want to make sure any of your household items that may have your blood on them (i.e. razors and tooth brushes) are well out of reach.

Should I have my baby tested?

Your baby can be tested at 2-3 months of age for HCV RNA (a test that looks for the virus).  At 12 months to 15 months of age, babies can be tested for the Hepatitis C antibody.  Testing for antibodies prior to this time may pick up maternal antibodies.  If results are positive, your child may be referred to a specialist for further follow up.  Approximately 25% of infected infants will clear the virus spontaneously.  

How do I prevent the spread of Hepatitis C infection?

Since Hepatitis C is spread through the contact with blood, you need to avoid having your blood enter into anyone else’s blood system.  This includes:

• Not sharing personal items with others (i.e. razors, nail clippers, tooth brushes)

• Not donating blood

• Not sharing intranasal (snorting and inhalation drug use equipment

• Not sharing injection drug use equipment

• Not sharing needles for tattooing or piercing

• Using condoms for intercourse (especially if blood may be present)

For more information contact Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.

References

Boucher, M. & Gruslin, A. (2000).  The Reproductive Care of Women Living with Hepatitis C Infection. SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline. No.96

Canadian Paediatric Society (2008).  Vertical transmission of the hepatitis C virus:  Current knowledge and issues.  Pediatric Child Health 2008 13(6).  pp 529-534

Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis C.  Public Health Agency of Canada.  

Recovered from www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/faq-eng.php on February 26, 2010

This information was adapted, with permission, from “Hepatitis C and Pregnancy”, by Oxford County Public Health and Emergency Services.