What are blood-borne viruses (BBVs)?

Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are viruses that spread when infected blood or other bodily fluids are passed on from person to person. Examples of BBVs in Australia include:

• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

What are the symptoms of blood-borne viruses?

The symptoms of BBVs depend on the type of virus.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C affect the liver and can cause symptoms such as:

• yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• abdominal pain
• fever

Read more about hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

After HIV infection, you may have flu-like symptoms for a short time such as:

• fever
• sore throat
• rash
• swollen glands

These symptoms usually go away, even though the virus stays in your body and continues to affect your immune system. Some people have no symptoms at all.

Read more about HIV infection and AIDS.

What causes blood-borne virus infection?

BBV infections are caused by exposure to a virus. The virus can be passed through blood and other body fluids such as:

• semen
• vaginal secretions (vaginal fluid)
• breast milk

Infection with BBVs often happens through sharing needles and injection equipment or having sexual intercourse without a condom.

Exposure may also happen through a needlestick injury, when a person's skin is accidentally punctured (pricked) by a used needle. This can happen in public, for example after stepping on a discarded syringe or in healthcare places.

Your chance of infection with a BBV due to a needlestick injury is low, especially when workplace safety guidelines are followed.

Read more about needlestick injuries.

BBVs do not spread through:

• contact with faeces (poo) or urine (wee)
• coughing or sneezing
• sharing cutlery, cups and glasses

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you think you may have been exposed to a BBV, even if you feel well.

You should also see your doctor if you have:

• shared needles or injection equipment
• had sex without a condom
• had a needlestick injury
• symptoms of a BBV

How are blood-borne viruses diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose BBVs using medical tests. These are usually based on your risk factors, symptoms and medical history. Test results can take from a few minutes to several days.

Some blood tests can show if you:

• currently have an infection
• have had an infection in the past
• are immune, for example, after vaccination against hepatitis B

Sometimes, your doctor may also use a saliva test, particularly for HIV.

If a test result is unclear or shows a recent exposure, your doctor may suggest repeat or follow-up testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Are there screening tests for blood-borne viruses?

Yes, screening tests are available for people who may be at higher risk of exposure. Screening can help find infections early and lower your chance of complications or passing the virus to others.

Your doctor may recommend screening even if you do not have symptoms.

Common screening tests include:

• hepatitis B blood tests
• hepatitis C blood tests
• HIV tests (blood or saliva)

A healthcare professional may suggest screening if you have:

• shared needles or injection equipment
• had sex without a condom
• had a needlestick injury
• a weakened immune system

They may also recommend screening if you belong to a group with a higher chance of BBVs. This may include people born in, or who have moved to Australia from, a country where a BBV is more common. It may also include males who have sex with males.

How much do tests for blood-borne viruses cost?

In Australia, many tests for BBVs are free or low cost:

• Medicare covers most blood tests ordered by a doctor, which means there is usually no cost if the service is bulk billed.
• Free or low-cost testing for HIV and hepatitis is available through some public clinics, sexual health clinics and community health services.
• Costs may apply if you use a private clinic or if tests are not bulk billed.

Your doctor or clinic can tell you:

• which tests you need
• if Medicare covers the costs
• if there will be any out-of-pocket costs

How are blood-borne viruses treated?

Treatment for BBVs depends on the type of virus.

Effective treatments are now available for hepatitis C and HIV. There is currently no cure for hepatitis B, but it can be prevented through vaccination.

Living with blood-borne viruses

Many people live full and healthy lives with a BBV. With the right treatment and ongoing care, it is often possible to:

• manage your symptoms
• protect your long-term health
• reduce the risk of passing the virus to others

Ongoing medical care is important, even if you feel well. This is because some BBVs may not cause symptoms for a long time.

If you are living with a BBV, it can help to:

• attend regular medical check-ups so your doctor can check your health and adjust treatment if needed
• take medicines as prescribed to help keep the virus under control and lower your chance of complications
• practise safe sex, such as using condoms, to lower your chance of passing the virus to sexual partners
• avoid sharing needles, syringes or personal items that may have blood on them, such as razors or toothbrushes
• look after your overall health by eating well, staying active and getting enough rest
• support your mental wellbeing, since living with a long-term condition may sometimes affect mood, stress levels or self-esteem

Living with a BBV may sometimes feel isolating, but you are not alone. Talking to others with similar experiences may help you feel more confident and supported. Support services, peer groups and healthcare professionals can provide:

• practical advice
• emotional support
• reliable information

Reducing stigma

Stigma about BBVs can make people feel ashamed, isolated or afraid to seek help. Learning how these viruses are transmitted — and how they are not — may help reduce fear and misinformation.

Treating people with respect and using accurate language helps reduce stigma. Encouraging testing and treatment supports better health outcomes for everyone.

What are the complications of blood-borne viruses?

Complications vary depending on the type of virus.

Hepatitis B and C may cause damage to the liver. Over time, this may lead to liver failure or liver cancer.

If HIV is not treated, it weakens your immune system. This may lead to serious infections and some cancers. Over time, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), when the body can't fight infections properly.

Managing your mental health

Living with a BBV may affect your mental health as well as your physical health.

It's common to feel worried, stressed, low or isolated at times, especially after diagnosis. Talking to your doctor, a counsellor or a trusted person can help.

Support groups and peer services can also provide understanding and practical advice. Looking after your mental wellbeing is an important part of managing your overall health.

Mental health support is available for everyone. Find mental health helplines to get the right support for you.

Can blood-borne viruses be prevented?

BBVs can be prevented by avoiding exposure. You can do this through:

• practising safe sex using condoms
• asking partners about their STI (sexually transmitted infection) status when starting new sexual relationships
• avoiding sharing needles and syringes
• avoiding contact with blood by using gloves in healthcare settings

You can also get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Resources and support

• Hepatitis Australia has information on hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
• B Positive offers a hepatitis B factsheet and support database.
• Ending HIV provides information and toolkits on HIV.

Languages other than English

Find resources in several community languages:

• Hepatitis Australia provides information on hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
• LiverWELL has liver resources.
• Talk Test Treat has information on HIV and other STIs.
• Living Positive Victoria has factsheets on HIV.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

For resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples:

• Hepatitis NSW has information on hepatitis C.
• LiverWELL has a brochure on hepatitis C.
• Us Mob and HIV offers HIV factsheets.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

Visit ACON, an organisation that specialises in HIV prevention, support and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex health services.

Transhub has information on HIV, including prevention and testing for transgender people.