Viral hepatitis (hepatitis C)

Most people with hepatitis C won’t have any symptoms until there has been significant liver damage. This means that many people infected with hepatitis C are completely unaware of it because of the often silent nature of the infection.

See more information on the potential symptoms at NHS inform.

You can become infected with hepatitis C if you come into contact with the blood of an infected person.

In Scotland, one of the more common ways people become infected with the hepatitis C virus is by sharing needles and other injecting equipment such as water, filters and syringes.

If you have ever injected or snorted drugs and shared equipment - including performance and image enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids - even just once, and even if it was many years ago, you could be at risk of having hepatitis C and should get tested.

There are other risks for hepatitis C including:

• Tattoos, acupuncture and piercings that are carried out abroad or in unlicensed premises where equipment may not be sterile.
• Having received a transfusion of blood or blood products in Scotland before 1991.
• Undergoing medical or dental treatment in countries where infection control is poor and you suspect the equipment may not have been sterilised properly.
• Being born or brought up in an area where hepatitis C is common such as Eastern Mediterranean and European Regions, and Asia.
• Sharing toothbrushes or razors contaminated with infected blood.
• Having sex with an infected person without using a condom. If your partner has hepatitis C, you should be tested.

Prevention

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C but there are lots of other measures you can take to reduce your risk of getting hepatitis C:

• If you inject drugs, never share needles, syringes, water or any other equipment. Always use a fresh safe injecting kit every time you inject.
• Use a condom when having sex.
• Go to a licensed practitioner if you are getting a tattoo or piercing.
• Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered with a waterproof dressing.
• Wear rubber gloves to clean up blood spills.
• Never share toothbrushes or razors.

Hepatitis C is diagnosed with a simple blood test. If you think you have been at risk, please get tested.

If you are diagnosed with hepatitis C you will be referred to the Viral Hepatitis Specialist Nurse. The nurse will perform blood tests and a scan to determine what condition your liver is in and discuss treatment.

There are lots of ways in which you can be tested. If you are having any difficulty accessing a test for HCV please contact the Viral Hepatitis service on the number above.

Testing is offered:

• through your GP practice
• for clients who attend drug and alcohol recovery services throughout the NHS Highland area
• through sexual health services
• through the Highland Alcohol and Drug Advice and Support Service (HADASS)

Yes, hepatitis C can be cured with a short course (two to three months) of tablets.

If you have hepatitis C and would like to discuss treatment please contact the viral hepatitis service on the numbers above.

Yes, even if you have successfully been treated or your body has spontaneously cleared hepatitis C, you do not become immune and you are at risk of contracting the virus again if you put yourself at risk.