Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C?

 

Other terms used: Hep C and HCV

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus passed on via blood-to-blood contact. This means that blood infected with the virus must get into the bloodstream of another person to be passed on. If it is not treated it can cause serious liver damage, making you feel very unwell. 

You might have hepatitis C for many years before you feel unwell. But early treatment can help to prevent liver damage. So, if you think there is a chance you could have hepatitis C, always get tested, even if you have no symptoms at the moment.

More than 9 in 10 people with hepatitis C can get rid of the virus by taking tablets. Most people have no side effects from treatment.

Without treatment, hepatitis C can cause serious damage to the liver. Untreated HCV may eventually lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure. With treatment, it’s possible to cure hepatitis C after just a few months.

 

How can you get hepatitis C?

You may have been exposed to hepatitis C if you have ever:

  • shared equipment (needles, syringes, spoons, straws) used to take recreational or performance-enhancing drugs, such as anabolic steroids, even once
  • had a blood transfusion or organ transplant in the UK before 1996
  • had medical or dental treatment in a country where infection control procedures may be poor
  • had tattoos, piercings, acupuncture or electrolysis where infection control procedures may be poor e.g. unlicensed venues, the armed forces or in prison
  • shared personal hygiene products, such as razors and toothbrushes, which may have small droplets of blood on them
  • had unprotected sexual contact where blood was present
  • worked in an environment where you may have come into contact with infected blood, such as through a needlestick injury
  • been exposed to the hepatitis C virus while your mother was pregnant (around 5% of mothers who have hepatitis C will pass the infection on to their baby).
 

Support and Resources

If you or someone you know has been affected by hepatitis C and you want to talk to someone about it, the hep c trust offers a confidential helpline which is staffed by people with personal experience of hepatitis C.

Helpline: 020 7089 6221 (Open weekdays 10.30am to 4.30pm)

There are many ways that a hepatitis C diagnosis may impact your health, well-being or financial situation. Whatever you are facing, there are other helpful organisations that can help you.

There are various videos sharing peoples real-life experience via the Hep C Trust which you can view here.

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