What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is spread in a similar way to hepatitis B, mainly by blood contact, but it is not as common.

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. The general precautions against this disease are the same as those for hepatitis B.

Most people who get hepatitis C have no symptoms and become carriers for the rest of their lives.

In Hong Kong, it is estimated that 0.5 per cent of the population carries the hepatitis C virus.

Like B carriers, some hepatitis C carriers may develop chronic hepatitis, liver scarring and cancer.

For more information, contact the Hong Kong Department of Health's Hepatitis Call hotline on tel:

2112 9911, or visit www.info.gov.hk/hepatitis