Hepatitis C

Quick Facts

Did you know...

• In Canada, an estimated 242,500 individuals are infected with hepatitis C and, because there are often no symptoms, approximately 21% of those individuals don't know they are infected and remain undiagnosed.
• Many people newly infected with hepatitis C have no symptoms and are unaware of their infection, but they are still infectious.
• In 2007 nearly 8000 individuals were newly infected with HCV in Canada.
• Hepatitis C infection can be prevented: don't share needles or drug use/preparation equipment.
• Hepatitis C is NOT spread by casual contact such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands. The virus is not found in food or water.
• Hepatitis C can be spread in the household through sharing sharp instruments/personal hygiene equipment with an infected person (e.g., razors, toothbrushes, scissors and nail clippers).
• Because there are medications which can be used to treat hepatitis C, it is important to find out if you have the virus.
• Treatment may be an option for you so speak to your health care provider.
• There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

What's New

• The Hepatitis C Prevention, Support and Research Program Funding Solicitation Call
• A Renewed Public Health Response to Address Hepatitis C: A Summary Report of the Priority-setting Process and A Strategic Framework for Action June 2009
• PHAC-CAID/CIHR Hepatitis C Research Initiative
  The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Institute of Infection and Immunity (CIHR-III) and the Public Health Agency of Canada's Community Acquired Infections Division (PHAC-CAID) are working collaboratively to support, promote and enhance hepatitis C associated research and training in Canada.
• The Canadian Society for International Health was contracted by the Public Health Agency of Canada to coordinate World Hepatitis Day 2009 awareness activities in Canada. Final Project Report attached. (435 KB - 13 pages)
• Epidemiology of Acute Hepatitis C Infection in Canada Results from the Enhanced Hepatitis Strain Surveillance System
• Hepatitis C: Get the facts. You can have it and not know it.
• Primary Care Management of Chronic Hepatitis C - Professional Desk Reference 2009 Pinette GD, Cox JJ, Heathcote J, Moore L, Adamowski K, Riehl G.
  
  
  To order copies of this reference, please fill out the attached form and fax your order to the Public Health Agency of Canada at (613) 941-7563
  

  • ORDER FORM PDF Version (19 KB - 1 page)

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