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Stop B. Cure C.
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Stop B. Cure C.

Hepatitis – Don't Wait.

Find out why and win that holiday you've been waiting for!

Introduction

Stop B. Cure C.

Hepatitis B and C are infections that cannot be put on hold. In Australia, 1 in 5 people living with hepatitis C, and 1 in 4 people living with hepatitis B, don't know they have it. The consequences can be fatal.

Find out how and win

Sorry, this draw is now closed - but you can still try your hand at the quiz!

Bonus Entry

Find out more about each topic by clicking on More info. Answer both bonus questions in the quiz to receive an automatic additional entry into the draw!

Competition Winner

The winners will be contacted directly and announced at https://hepsa.asn.au

The Information

Hep B virus, hep C virus, and exclamation mark

Why is it important?

  • Hep B and hep C damage the liver
  • Over time, the liver becomes scarred
  • Without treatment, hepatitis can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, and even death

The hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses are distinct and separate viruses that infect and damage the liver. If nothing is done, these infections lead to scars forming on the liver. This is called fibrosis. Without treatment, the scars can increase to the point that the liver can no longer repair itself. This leads to liver failure. It can also lead to liver cancer. Both can be fatal.

Hep B virus, hep C virus, and question mark

How to know if you have it?

  • Don't wait for symptoms
  • The only way to know for sure is with blood tests – ask your GP
  • Hep B and hep C are not included in routine blood tests

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are silent diseases that can go for decades without symptoms. Even where there are symptoms, they can be confused with other ailments. The only way to know if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C is with blood tests. These tests are not included in routine blood tests. You need to ask your GP specifically for these tests.

About 220,000 people in Australia have chronic hepatitis B and 120,000 have chronic hepatitis C.

Hep B virus and question mark

When to ask for a hep B test?

  • Your mother had hep B when you were born
  • A close family or household member has hep B
  • You had sexual contact with someone who has hep B
  • You come from communities where hep B is more common

In Australia, 25 out of every 100 people with hepatitis B don’t know they have the infection.

Hepatitis B is transmitted via blood and sexual fluids. Many acquire it as newborns during the birthing process or as young children in households where people have chronic hepatitis B. It is found in every country, but is more common in East and South-East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the Pacific Islands and Australian Aboriginal communities. (See map) Most people living hepatitis B got it from their mothers during birth.

There is a safe and effective vaccine for hepatitis B.

Hep C virus and question mark

When to ask for a hep C test?

  • You shared injecting equipment
  • You had a blood transfusion / blood products before 1990
  • You had unsterile tattooing, piercing or cosmetic work
  • You have been in prison

In Australia, 20 out of every 100 people with hepatitis C don’t know they have the infection.

Hepatitis C virus is exclusively a blood borne infection. It is only transmitted when blood from someone who has the virus enters the bloodstream of another person. It is not sexually transmitted. If you have ever had an unsterile tattoo or piercing, been to prison, or shared injecting drug equipment, it is a good idea to get tested for this virus. People from regions of high prevalence may also be at higher risk of hepatitis C. (See map)

There is no vaccination for the hepatitis C virus.

Hep B virus in front of stop sign

How to stop hep B?

  • If you don't have hep B, get vaccinated
  • If you have hep B, have a check-up with a doctor every 6 months
  • Practise safe sex
  • Follow blood safety rules

There is currently no cure for hepatitis B but there are effective drugs to help suppress the virus. Medication is not needed at every stage of the illness. Six-monthly check-ups by a doctor will ensure that treatment can start when needed.

Hepatitis B treatment is highly affordable for people with a Medicare Card.

If you have not been infected by hepatitis B before, a safe and effective vaccination will prevent infection for most people. If you are among the small number of people for whom hepatitis B vaccine doesn’t work, protect yourself by practising safe sex and following safe practices around blood and body fluids. (More details)

Hep C virus in front of no symbol

How to cure hep C?

  • Tablets taken daily for 8 or 12 weeks
  • GPs can prescribe the hep C cure
  • Cost covered by Medicare

Hepatitis C infection can be cured in 8 or 12 weeks with tablets. The treatment is highly affordable for people with a Medicare Card.

Hepatitis C treatment can by prescribed by general practitioners, nurse practitioners and specialists. In South Australia, the easiest way to get started is to call the Viral Hepatitis Nurse in your metro region. (Contact details)

The Quiz

Choose the correct answer to each question!

Choose the correct answer to each question and enter the draw for one of two $500 vouchers to use at any BIG4 Holiday Park. Answer the bonus questions correctly and automatically gain a second entry into the draw.

Question 1

Why is it important to stop hep B or cure hep C?

Question 2

How do you know for sure if you have hep B or hep C?

Question 3

How do you stop hep B making you sicker if you have it?

Question 4

How do you cure hep C if you have it?

Bonus Question 1 (Optional)

Out of 100 people with hep B in Australia, how many don't know they have it?

Bonus Question 2 (Optional)

How many out of 100 people with hep C in Australia don't know they have it?

The Prize

BIG4 Holiday Parks can be found right across Australia. Accommodation includes holiday cabins, units, motorhomes, caravan and camping sites.

The two winners of the prize draw will each receive one of two $500 vouchers for use at any BIG4 Holiday Park in Australia.

The vouchers are valid till 30 July 2024.

Contact

For more information on viral hepatitis, call Hepatitis SA on 1800 437 222 or chat with us at hepsa.asn.au.

Should I get tested for hepatitis C? Find out here.

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY | #HepCantWait

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