What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus, identified in 1989, which can cause serious liver disease. It is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact.

Hepatitis C is now recognised as a significant public health problem worldwide, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimating that some 170 million people are chronically infected.
About 200,000 people are estimated to have chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection in England and about half of these may be unaware of their infection.

There are a number of ways you can get Hepatitis C, click here to complete a short self-assessment questionnaire.

How is hepatitis C transmitted?

 By using shared equipment, for injecting drugs even if only done once or twice and a long time ago

 Through blood transfusions that patients received before September 1991 or via blood products like clotting factors before 1986. All blood in the UK is now screened for hepatitis C

 From a mother with hepatitis C to her baby, before or during the birth

 Through unprotected sex (without a condom) with someone who has the virus

 Unsterile tattoos or piercings

 During medical or dental treatment abroad in countries where hepatitis C is common and where equipment may not be sterilised properly

 By sharing a razor or toothbrush with someone who may have hepatitis C.

Information for travellers to South Asian countries:

Hepatitis C is more common in South Asian countries than it is in the UK and infection control measures may not be as effective. So it's important to be more careful when getting medical treatment, going for a haircut, a shave or getting a piercing when you're visiting South Asian countries.

There's currently no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C. But there are things you can do to minimise your chance of being exposed to it. Make sure you pass on this advice if you have friends or family planning to travel abroad.

For more information on travelling safely, click here.

It is important to get tested for a number of reasons:

 If you do have hepatitis C you can get treated. Effective treatment is available and can successfully clear the virus, on average, in more than half of people treated. And with some types of the virus success rates are about 80%

 You can find out how to prevent serious damage to your liver by making a few lifestyle changes

 You can find out how to avoid passing it to other people

Chronic (long-term) hepatitis C infection can affect people in a variety of ways:Why should you get tested?

 Some people remain well throughout their life and will not develop liver damage

 Some people only develop mild to moderate liver damage, with or without symptoms - symptoms can include fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, alcohol intolerance and pain around the liver

 After about 20 years. 1 in 5 people will have developed severe liver damage (cirrhosis)

 In some people, severe liver damage can lead to primary liver cancer or complete liver failure, and the need for a liver transplant

 It is currently impossible to predict who will fall into each category

 Those with long-term (chronic) hepatitis C infection should generally be referred to a specialist (hepatologist, gastroenterologist or infectious disease physician) for assessment for treatment and can be encouraged to make any necessary changes to their lifestyle to help slow or prevent damage to the liver.

If you feel you have hepatitis C, visit your GP to arrange a test or vist, www.nhs.uk/hepc or call 0800 181 4014.

Other useful links:

Protecting yourself and others

Travel safety advice in gujarati