What is hep C?
Hepatitis C is a type of hepatitis virus which means it causes the liver to become sore and swollen (inflamed) which can result in further liver disease.
The Hepatitis C Virus virus is also referred to as HCV for short. It was first identified in 1989 and a test for Hepatitis C has been available since 1991. It is a blood borne virus which means infection can occur if blood carrying the virus gets into your blood stream. This is referred to as ‘blood to blood’ contact.
What most people don't realise is that hepatitis C is not just one virus. It is a family of similar viruses or strains called genotypes.