Q&A's
Am I at risk of having hepatitis C?
How might the virus affect me in the long term?
How can I find out if I have the hepatitis C virus?
What does a negative test mean?
What does a positive PCR mean?
Is there a treatment for hepatitis C?
How can I stay healthy if I am diagnosed with hepatitis C?
How can I look after myself and others?
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a virus that can damage the liver. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine to prevent against it, but it can be treated.
Am I at risk of having hepatitis C?
The virus is spread through contact with the blood of a person who has hepatitis C.
The two main ways it can be passed on are:
- By sharing equipment for injecting drugs even if you only did this once or twice or a long time ago. Needles and syringes are the greatest risk, but other drug injecting equipment (such as spoons, filters or water) could also carry infection if they are contaminated with blood from someone who has the virus
- Through a blood transfusion (before September 1991) or blood products like clotting factors (before 1986). All blood in the UK is now screened for hepatitis C
Hepatitis C can also be passed on in the following ways, although these are less common:
- During medical or dental treatment abroad in countries where hepatitis C is common and where equipment may not be sterilised properly
- Having a shave using non-sterile equipment, especially abroad in countries where hepatitis C is common-From a mother with hepatitis C to her baby
- Through unprotected sex (without a condom) with someone who has the virus-By having a tattoo, ear or body piercing or acupuncture with equipment that is not sterile
- By sharing razors or toothbrushes which have been contaminated with blood from someone who has the virus
- Intra-nasal i.e. snorting drugs through a straw
See your doctor if you think you could have been in contact with the virus in any of these ways
What are the symptoms?
Most people who have the hepatitis C virus may be unaware as they have no signs or symptoms at all or for many years. But even if you have no symptoms, you can still pass the virus on to others.
How might the virus affect me in the long term?
Around one in five people (20%) who become infected with hepatitis C will get rid of the virus naturally. However, most people who become infected will have it for a very long time.
This may affect them in different ways:
- Some people stay well throughout their life
- Some people may develop severe liver damage (cirrhosis). In some people, cirrhosis can lead to liver failure or liver cancer
How can I find out if I have the hepatitis C virus?
If you think you might be at risk of having the virus, you can have a simple test to find out if you are infected.
You can get a test at the following places:
- GP surgery
- Sexual health or GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic
- Drug agencies/clinics-Non-pharmacy needle exchange
- Prison health care unit if you are a prisoner
Before the test you should have a pre-test discussion.
What is the test?
The person doing the test will take a small sample of blood that is sent away on a card to test for hepatitis C antibodies. If this is positive, the lab will also carry out a second test called a PCR test on the card to find out if you have the virus.
What does a negative test mean?
If your antibody test comes back negative, it means you have not had the virus. If you have put yourself at risk in the three to six months before the test, you should ask for another test as the virus takes some time to show up.
What does a positive PCR mean?
If the result is positive, you have what is called a ‘chronic infection’ which means a long-term infection of more than six months). At this point you should be referred to a specialist doctor (Hepatologist or Gastroenterologist) and you may meet a nurse specialising in hepatitis C. When you have your appointment, make a list of questions you may have so you can understand the process. You may also find it useful to take a friend. At your hospital appointment blood tests will be taken to see how well your liver is working. The doctor will also discuss treatment options with you.
Is there a treatment for hepatitis C?
Yes, there are treatments you can have if you are diagnosed with the virus. Although there can be side effects, there is a lot of support for you while you are having treatment.
The treatment also has good success rates. Between 50-80% of people having treatment will clear the virus and return to normal, healthy lives after their treatment. Treatment is also more effective the sooner it is carried out.
How can I stay healthy if I am diagnosed with hepatitis C?
- Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink to safe levels (discuss with your doctor, nurse or drug worker)
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
- Get support and advice from health workers and hepatitis C support groups
How can I look after myself and others?
Whether your test comes back negative or positive, it is important not to take risks.
Things you can do include:
- If you do inject drugs, don’t share any injecting equipment including water, filter, spoon, syringe or needles
- If you travel abroad, avoid unnecessary medical procedures
- If you get a tattoo or piercing, go to a reputable tattooist/piercer and don’t share needles if doing it yourself
- Use condoms
- Clean up blood spills using bleach and wearing gloves if possible
- Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered with a plaster
- Don’t share household items like razors or toothbrushes
- Don’t share straws/tubes/pipes when snorting or smoking drugs
