What is hepatitis C and how common is it?
Hepatitis C (HCV or Hep C) is a blood borne virus that can infect the liver. It is transmitted via blood-to-blood contact. The infection can be acute (within the first 6 months of infection) or long term (after the first 6 months).
Worldwide, an estimated 50 million people have chronic hepatitis C, this being most prevalent in the eastern Mediterranean region. In the UK, 0.14% of the population is estimated to have chronic hepatitis C.
There is highly effective treatment available for hepatitis C, however, if it goes untreated it can cause life threatening liver problems such as liver failure or liver cancer.
How is hepatitis C transmitted?
Hepatitis C is transmitted via blood-to-blood contact.
This could be through sharing needles, sharing toothbrushes or razors, or getting a tattoo or piercing from places with poor infection control procedures. Pregnant people can also transmit it to their unborn baby.
Hepatitis C can also be transmitted through unprotected sex where blood is involved.
There is also a risk of having hepatitis C if you received a blood transfusion or blood products prior to 1996.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
Symptoms of hepatitis C can include:
- Flu like symptoms
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Dark urine
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
However, it is important to note many people don’t develop symptoms until the infection has caused severe liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms but think you could have hepatitis C, get tested.
Testing for hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is diagnosed by taking a blood test. A blood test for hepatitis C is available at any of our booked and walk in appointments.
Testing for hepatitis C is not offered through our at home testing service, however the NHS offers a free home test for Hepatitis C. This test checks for antibodies – please note that it can take between 2 weeks and 6 months from getting hepatitis C before it can be detected by this test. If you are worried about more recent exposure to hepatitis C, please contact our clinic on 01273 523 388.
What happens if you test positive for hepatitis C?
If you test positive, you will be referred to a specialist. You will also have other blood tests, these include checking your kidney function, liver function and checking for anaemia. If you have chronic hepatitis C the extent of liver damage might also be tested. This can be done through a scan or a biopsy. Our health advisers will talk to you about partner notification and can help with this.
How is hepatitis C treated?
Hepatitis C is treated with a group of medications called direct acting antivirals. The name of the tablet will depend on various factors including:
- the genotype of the virus
- any other health problems you may have
- if you have been treated for Hep C before
- the amount of liver damage you have
You will be referred to a specialist before starting treatment. Treatment normally lasts 8-12 weeks and is in the form of tablets. Treating hepatitis C as early as possible reduces the risk of serious liver problems. 90% of people who take the medications will clear the virus.
As hepatitis C affects the liver, abstaining from alcohol is recommended as this can further damage your liver.