Wondering if you have Hepatitis C? CATC provides same-day screening and referral to care for patients. It’s as easy as a finger poke! We have Hepatitis C treatment programs in Canada for patients across the country. Learn more about this virus and your treatment options.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is a blood-borne virus, most commonly spread through sharing drug using paraphernalia. Hep C is far more infectious than HIV. If left untreated, Hep C can result in serious health implications such a cirrhosis or liver cancer. Almost 40% of living with Hep C are unaware, which is why screening is critical. Knowing your Hep C status will help to eliminate the spread of the virus, and identify those who need treatment. Current treatments for Hep C are over 95% effective, take only 8-12 weeks, and cause very few side-effects. HCV or Hep C is one of the few chronic conditions that can be cured!
How Is Hepatitis C Treated?
Treatment for Hepatitis C is easy! Our Care Teams will assist you with:
- Initial screening
- Education and support
- Assistance with financial aid to cover the cost of your medications
- Ongoing support and follow-up in person, by phone or text message
- Access to medication (one stop shopping)
If you are concerned that you have been exposed to Hepatitis C, contact CATC right away. Treatment is effective and offers a >95% cure rate.
Learn about our innovative programs to treat Hepatitis C during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Can I Get Tested for Hepatitis C?
You don’t need a referral to get screened and access as Specialist at CATC. Contact us at 1-877-937-2282 or complete the form below for more information. If treatment is required, you can begin right away – often within just one week.
Who Is At Risk for Hepatitis C?
People who belong to the following groups may be at an increased risk for Hepatitis C:
- Use drugs and share needles, pipes, straws, or other equipment, or did so in the past
- Received body piercing or tattoos with non-sterile instruments
- Have or had HIV and/or Hepatitis B
- Were born to women with the Hepatitis C virus
- Were born between 1955 and 1975 and were in contact with poorly sterilized medical equipment (before universal precautions and infection control procedures were adopted)
- Were born outside of Canada
- Have had a blood transfusion before 1992, as blood donations were not tested for the Hep C virus
- Hemodialysis patients or persons who spent many years on dialysis for kidney failure
What Are the Symptoms of Untreated Hepatitis C?
Approximately 70% to 80% of people with acute Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms. However, some people experience symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Appetite loss
- Nauseated feelings
- Abdominal pain
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Dark urine
When Do Hepatitis C Symptoms Appear?
Many people infected with Hepatitis C do not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically develop six to seven weeks after exposure. However, symptoms can also show up as soon as two weeks or as late as six months later.
What Are Hepatitis C’s Long-Term Effects?
75% of people who have Hepatitis C could potentially develop chronic liver disease or liver cancer. Long-term liver damage (cirrhosis) can affect many parts of the body, including:
- The digestive system
- The central nervous system
- The circulatory system
- Hair, skin, and nails
Hepatitis C Screening in Canada
If you think you may have been exposed to Hepatitis C, find our nearest clinic, call us at 1-877-937-2282 or reach out to us online to get screened today.