Hepatitis C - The Facts

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease that affects the liver. It causes hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), which can progress to extensive scarring (cirrhosis) so that the liver cannot perform its normal functions.

Currently, treatment is not effective in all infected people.

There is no vaccine.

It is estimated that approximately 300,000 persons in Canada are infected with Hepatitis C, and two-thirds of new Hepatitis C infections in Canada are related to sharing needles, syringes, swabs, filters and water during injection drug use.

Given the fact that BC has a large population of injection drug users, the extent of the disease in BC is a major concern.

For a great website that can answer most of your questions about Hepatitis C, click here.

To discuss any questions or concerns you may have about Hepatitis C or would like more information, contact:
Sheila Kerr, Prevention Coordinator - 250 862 2437 ext. 107 or skerr@lprc.ca

If you are looking for support or advocacy, contact:
Clare Overton, Client Advocate - 250 862 2437 ext. 106 or support@lprc.ca

If you are outside the Kelowna area, but in BC, you can phone our office toll-free at 1 800 616 2437.