Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is transferred through blood-to-blood contact. Many people do not feel ill when first infected with hepatitis C, however some people might experience flu-like symptoms or jaundice.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection, but treatments are available that can help decrease inflammation of the liver, minimise long-term complications and possibly prevent transmission to others.
Requirements for students
Students must be tested for current hepatitis C infection within 12 months prior to course commencement. Students who are likely to perform exposure prone procedures (for example, dental and oral health students) must have further testing every three years.
All students are required to seek immediate medical advice following any possible exposure, whether or not the exposure occurs during a study-related activity.
Students are not required to disclose any current infections to the University, however it is strongly recommended that concerned students arrange a confidential discussion with their course coordinator or other senior academic to discuss study and career implications.
Note: Health care workers, including students, must not perform exposure-prone procedures if they are infected with hepatitis C until the requirements of the Australian National Guidelines are satisfied.