Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus that can damage the liver. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine to protect against hepatitis C.

How could I get hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is carried in the blood and has been detected in other bodily fluids. But blood (even in tiny or invisible amounts) is the main source of infection. The virus is mainly spread through contact with the blood of a person who has hepatitis C. You can't catch it through everyday contact such as holding hands, hugging, kissing or through sharing toilets, crockery and kitchen utensils.

Hepatitis C is passed on by:

- Sharing equipment for injecting drugs, even if you did this only once or twice,or a long time ago. Needles and syringes are the greatest risk, but spoons, water and filters could also carry infection.

- Receiving a blood transfusion (before September 1991 ), or blood products like clotting factors (before 1986). All blood in the UK is now screened.

Less commonly, hepatitis C can be passed on by:

- A Hepatitis C infected mother to her baby, before or during birth.

- Unprotected sex (without a condom) with someone who has the virus.

- Medical or dental treatment abroad where sterilisation procedures may be inadequate.

- Tattooing, ear piercing, body piercing or acupuncture with unsterile equipment.

- Sharing razors or toothbrushes contaminated with blood from someone who has the virus.

- Via contaminated objects, that is needles,broken glass, china etc.

Signs and Symptoms

Many people who have the hepatitis C virus have no or symptoms at all - for years or even decades. Even without symptoms you can still pass the virus on to others.

Symptoms, though not common, may include:

- Muscle aches and a high temperature

- Mild to severe fatigue

- Nausea, loss of appetite

- Weight loss

- Depression and anxiety

- Pain in areas of the liver (right side of the stomach)

- Mild jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)

- Joint pains

- Poor memory or concentration

- Alcohol intolerance

How might the virus affect me in the long term?

Around one in five people who become infections with hepatitis C will clear the virus naturally. However, most people who become infected remain so for a very long time. This might affect them in different ways:

- Some people can remain well throughout their life.

- Some people experience a range of different of symptoms.

- About 1 out of 5 people will develop severe liver damage. (Cirrhosis)

- In some people, cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer or complete live failure.

How do I know if I have the virus?

If you think you've been in contact with the hepatitis C virus at any time in past, you can have a simple blood test to find out you may have been infected.

Where can I get a test?

Your doctor will be able to carry out tests for hepatitis C. Local drug agencies and sexual health/GUM (genito urinary medicine) clinics may also offer testing.

What if the tests result is positive?

The blood test will tell you whether you have been infected with the virus at any stage in the past. It will not tell you if you still have it. You can be referred to a specialist to see if you still have the virus and how it is affecting your liver.

Is treatment available?

Treatments for hepatitis C are improving all that can clear the virus in about half of those treated. Your doctor and special will discuss will you whether treatment is appropriate.

How can I help myself?

If you are infected with hepatitis C, the most important thing you can do to minimise damage to your liver, is to limit the amount you drink, or cut out alcohol altogether.

What if the test result is negative?

This probably means you have never been in contact with the hepatitis C virus. However, it can take up to 6 months for your body to react to the virus, so the test may not be positive if you have been infected recently. Your doctor may advise you to have a second test.

Follow - up

If you are diagnosed as having an active infection with hepatitis C, you will be advised to have regular blood tests and physical check up.

How can I avoid becoming infected or passing on the virus to others?

- If you inject drugs, NEVER share or pass on drug injecting equipment. This includes needles, syringes, spoons, water, filters or anything else that might be contaminated with blood. Contact the National Drugs Helpline details of drug services in your area and safer injecting advice - 0800 776600.

- If you are considering having ear piercing, body piercing a tattoo or acupuncture, check that equipment such as needles and ink pots are not being re-used and are sterile. Your local council will advise you if the business is known to them, and has therefore been the subject of regular inspections.

- If your sexual partner has hepatitis C, there is a small risk could be passed on to you during sex. Condoms minimise the risk. Using condoms will also help to protect you against wanted pregnancy, HIV and many other sexually transmitted infections.

- Avoid sharing any toiletry equipment that could have been contaminated with blood razors, toothbrushes, nail scissors and tweezers.

- Exercise care when handling handle sharp objects which could have been contaminated with blood.

Information and Support

If you have any worries or questions, you can talk to your doctor or nurse.

For further information contact:

- The British Liver Trust, website at, British Liver Trust, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich

IPS 9QG,

TEL: 01473 276326

Website: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk

Email: info@britishlivertrust.org.uk

- Mainliners Helpline on 020 7582 5226

- Information on hepatitis C is also available from NHS Direct on 0845 4647

- The National Drugs Helpline provides confidential information and advice to drug using and anyone concerned about drugs

0800 776600

Drink line provides confidential information and advice about sensible drinking

080 917 8282.

They can put you int ouch with your local alcohol advice centre where help is available on a one-to-one basis.

The National Hepatitis C Resource Centre, maintains a list of local support groups for people with HCV, plus information and leaflets which can be downloaded from their website at:

www.hep-ccentre.com - The centre also co-ordinates a National Forum to represent the needs and views of people with hepatitis C

Phone - 020 7735 7705

Email - advice.info@hepccentre.com

The Children's Liver Disease Foundation specialises in supporting children with liver disease. 36 Great Charles Street,

Birmingham B3 3YJ

Tel: 0121 212 3839

Website: www.childliverdisease.org

Email: info@childliverdisease.org

The Haemophilia Society provides information and support for people living with or affected by haemophilia who are concerned about hepatitis C.

Free phone helpline: 0800 018 6068

Mon to Friday, 9am - 5pm

Website: www.haemophilia.org.uk

You can also contact your local sexual health/GUM clinic for free, confidential advice and treatment.Details can be found at www.lovelife.uk.com.

Thank you guys for reading and remember to keep safe x