Hepatitis B and C treatment and support
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that can lead to scarring, cirrhosis or cancer if untreated. Hepatitis B and C are common viral infections that require proper diagnosis and ongoing care.
What are hepatitis B and hepatitis C?
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viral hepatitis infections that affect the liver and may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, hepatitis B and C impact over 250 million people worldwide and remain a major public health concern in Australia.
Symptoms, causes and risks of hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis B and C can be difficult to detect early. Understanding symptoms, causes, and risks helps guide diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Symptoms of hepatitis B and C
Many people with hepatitis B or C have no clear symptoms. When symptoms appear, they may indicate liver inflammation or more advanced liver disease.
- Fatigue, nausea and abdominal discomfort are common early symptoms.
- Jaundice, dark urine and loss of appetite may signal liver damage.
- Symptoms often appear late, when liver cirrhosis or complications develop.
Causes and transmission
Hepatitis B and C are viral infections spread through blood-to-blood contact. Understanding how transmission occurs can help reduce new infections and protect your health.
- Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids, including at birth or through sex.
- Hepatitis C is mainly spread through blood, especially through injecting drugs.
- Unsafe medical procedures, tattooing or blood transfusion can also transmit infection.
Risk factors for hepatitis infection
Certain groups have a higher risk of hepatitis B and C infection. Identifying risk factors supports early testing, diagnosis and treatment in primary care settings.
- People who inject drugs or share needles have a higher risk of infection.
- People with HIV or those who are immunosuppressed are more vulnerable.
- Pregnant women and people from high-prevalence regions may require screening.
Living with chronic hepatitis B and C
Living with hepatitis B or C requires ongoing monitoring and care. With the right treatment and support, many people manage chronic infection and reduce liver damage.
- Chronic hepatitis B may need lifelong monitoring and antiviral treatment.
- Hepatitis C can often be cured with antiviral medication in a short course.
- Regular liver checks help prevent cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
How hepatitis B and C are diagnosed
Hepatitis B and C are diagnosed using simple blood tests. Early diagnosis helps prevent liver damage and guides the right treatment and care.
Initial assessment
Your doctor reviews symptoms, history and risk factors such as injecting drug use or possible exposure to infected blood.
Blood tests
Blood tests detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus infection and assess liver function and inflammation.
Liver assessment
Further tests, such as liver scans, assess damage, helping guide treatment for chronic hepatitis C or chronic hepatitis B.
Explore related liver and hepatitis services
We offer a range of specialist services to support different conditions, including hepatitis B and C diagnosis and ongoing care, all delivered in one streamlined clinic setting.
Book your hepatitis B and C consultation
If you're concerned about hepatitis B or C, book a consultation with our specialists for a clear diagnosis, treatment and next steps.
Expert care for hepatitis B and C
From diagnosis to long-term management, we support patients living with hepatitis B and C through clear communication, efficient care and specialist expertise.
Specialist-led hepatitis care
Experienced gastroenterologists provide diagnosis and treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, focusing on safe, effective and personalised care.
Fast access to diagnosis
Access testing and specialist consultations without long delays, helping detect hepatitis early before liver damage develops.
Clear, patient-first approach
We explain hepatitis B and C in plain English, helping you understand transmission, treatment and what living with hepatitis means for you.
Ongoing care and monitoring
We provide long-term monitoring and care to reduce risks such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure and complications linked to chronic infection.
How we manage hepatitis B and C
Our process is designed to give you clear answers quickly, from testing to treatment and ongoing care for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Consultation and assessment
We assess symptoms, history and risk factors such as hepatitis C transmission or exposure to infected blood.
Testing and diagnosis
Blood tests confirm hepatitis C infection or hepatitis B and help assess liver inflammation and damage.
Treatment and ongoing care
Ongoing care includes antiviral treatment, monitoring and guidance to protect your liver and overall health.
Doctor referrals for hepatitis care
If you're concerned about hepatitis B or C, your GP can refer you to our clinic. We'll work closely with your doctor to support diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care.
Meet our hepatitis care team
You'll be cared for by experienced gastroenterologists and nurses focused on clear communication, accurate diagnosis and personalised hepatitis care.
Trusted healthcare accreditations
Our team is accredited by leading Australian medical bodies, ensuring safe, high-quality care for patients with hepatitis B and C.
Healthcare memberships and partnerships
We maintain strong affiliations with recognised healthcare institutions, ensuring patients benefit from trusted networks and up-to-date clinical care.
Hear from our patients
We're proud to support patients through diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on clear communication and personalised care.
Get tested and take control of your liver health
Take the next step in managing hepatitis B or C. Book a consultation for testing, diagnosis and personalised care from our specialists.
Hepatitis B and C FAQs
If you've been diagnosed or are concerned about hepatitis B or C, these answers can help you better understand your condition and next steps.
What is the treatment for hepatitis C?
Treatment for hepatitis C is highly effective and usually involves antiviral tablets taken for 8 to 12 weeks. In most cases, this clears the virus from the body in people infected with hepatitis C. While there is no vaccine, hep C testing and early treatment reduce risks. Your specialist will guide care and prevention.
What is the treatment for hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. While there is no cure, treatment helps manage the virus in people living with chronic hepatitis B. Without treatment, it can lead to serious complications and is a leading cause of liver cancer. Vaccination is available to reduce the transmission of hepatitis B.
Which is more dangerous, hepatitis B or C?
Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C can be dangerous if left untreated, as they can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The difference is that hepatitis C can often be cured with treatment, while hepatitis B is usually managed long-term. The level of risk depends on the individual, liver health and access to care.
Can hepatitis B and C be cured?
Hepatitis C can usually be cured with antiviral medication, clearing the virus from the body. Hepatitis B cannot currently be cured, but it can be effectively managed with monitoring and treatment. Vaccination against hepatitis B helps prevent infection and reduce the spread of the virus.
How are hepatitis B and C transmitted?
Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. Hepatitis C is transmitted through exposure to infected blood, while hepatitis B can also spread through bodily fluids, such as during birth or sex. An effective vaccine is available for hepatitis B, supporting prevention, while testing is key for people living with hepatitis C.
Who should get tested for hepatitis B or C?
Testing is recommended if you have risk factors such as injecting drug use, exposure to blood, or if you are from higher-risk population groups. This includes people living with HIV, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Early testing supports timely treatment and care.
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Get in touch with our team
If you have questions about hepatitis B or C, or need testing and treatment, contact our team today. We'll guide you through the next steps with clear advice, fast access and specialist-led care.
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