HEPATITIS C

Hepatitis C
  • ➢ Blood borne virus causing inflammation of the liver
  • ➢ 10 times more infectious than HIV
  • ➢ Previously called ‘non A-non B’ hepatitis
  • ➢ The Government estimate that there are 250 000 people who are hep C positive with most of them not knowing they are carrying it!
  • ➢ 20% will naturally clear the virus, remaining 80% progressing to a chronic infection lasting longer than 6 months
  • ➢ Hep C varies from one person to another; most will not experience any symptoms for a long time. Some feel like they have flu, are tired and generally not feeling well. There is no evidence to suggest that if you have symptoms the more serious the illness is.
  • ➢ There is no vaccine against hep C
  • ➢ Treatment is available and its duration is 24 or 48 weeks
Transmission
  • ➢ Sharing needles and other injecting equipment or paraphernalia.
  • ➢ Mother-to-baby during pregnancy, delivery and possibly breastfeeding.
  • ➢ Sharing cocaine straws
  • ➢ Tattooing and body piercing with equipment that has not been properly sterilised.
  • ➢ Sharing razors, hair clippers, toothbrushes, scissors, nail clippers.
  • ➢ Urine or vomit is visibly present.
  • ➢ Blood transfusion or blood products (pre 1991in UK)
  • ➢ Needle stick injury
  • ➢ Unprotected anal, vaginal and oral sex. There is an increased risk if there are sexually transmitted infections present, multiple partners or if sexual practices involve contact with blood (either intentionally or unintentionally, such as sex when a woman is menstruating (having a period)
  • ➢ Sharing sex toys, always clean between use if being used by more than one person, ideally use a fresh condom to cover them before each use and user.

Testing

A blood test for hep C is the same as any other blood test, you may be offered or recommended to have a test or you can request a test. The test is not something that is done as a matter of routine so do not be mislead that if you have had blood tests in the past your doctor will have tested you because its unlikely that they have.

Free confidential testing is available at the Sexual Health Service Clinic, St Marys Hospital, Newport: Phone 534202 for appointments.

Island Drugs and Alcohol Service (IDAS) offer dried blood spot testing to service users: Phone 526654 for more information.

General Practitioners (GPs)

Prevention

Condoms are the most effective way of preventing the transmission of hep B,C, HIV and sexually transmitted infections as well as preventing an unintended pregnancy. They can be used effectively for vaginal, anal or oral sex, use in conjunction with water-based lubricants.

Drug paraphernalia – never share any works or water, always use new or clean. Needle Exchange Pharmacies and Island Drugs and Alcohol Service (IDAS) offer a pick & mix menu choice, including condoms.









Page last updated on: 09/06/2008