Hepatitis C
Your liver filters blood, processes nutrients and helps the body fight infection. Any inflammation or damage to the liver can stop it working properly. Hepatitis C Virus (Hep C) can cause long term liver damage, you can catch Hep C by:
- Any history of injecting or snorting recreational drugs
- Sexual intercourse (especially anal intercourse)
- During childbirth if mum is already infected
- Tattooing or body piercing using unclean needles
- Sharing a razor or toothbrush with someone that is infected
- Through blood transfusions or organ transplants prior to 1991
You can get tested by visiting your GP or by contacting our Sexual health clinic (Genitourinary Medicine) on +44 1624 650710 to book an appointment.
If you are told you have a Hep C Infection then you will be referred to the Gastroenterology Team at Noble’s Hospital. You will need to have some more blood tests and you may need a scan of your liver. We will then discuss treatment options with you. Treatment is in the form of tablets, taken over a period of weeks with a 95%* cure rate and side effects are very rare.
For more information take a look at:
- The Hep C Trust
Telephone: 020 7089 6221 - *The World Health Organization
If you think you may have Hep C then please get tested. Please be reassured that it can be cured!