Hepatitis C
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, sometimes called hep C or HCV. Hepatitis C is found in blood and is spread by blood-to-blood contact. In the UK, the virus is most commonly spread by injecting drugs using shared needles or being injured by a used needle. In many parts of the world, the hepatitis C virus is passed on through reuse or inadequate sterilisation of medical equipment (including needles) and transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products. In the UK, blood donations have been screened for hepatitis C since September 1991. Hepatitis C can be passed on during pregnancy and childbirth and through sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood, however these modes are much less common.
In the early stages people with hepatitis C often don’t have any noticeable symptoms and can be unaware of their infection. When they do occur, they can be mistaken for other conditions and may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, abdominal pains and nausea. As the disease progresses symptoms can vary wildly. In some people, symptoms may be barely noticeable. In others, they can have a significant impact on quality of life and commonly include feeling tired all the time, joint and muscle aches and pain, nausea, difficulty concentrating or ‘brain fog’, mood swings, depression or anxiety, indigestion, itchy skin and abdominal pain. About 1 in 5 people will clear the hepatitis C virus within 2 to 6 months of infection. Individuals who do not clear the infection often remain undiagnosed for decades until they develop symptoms of severe liver damage (cirrhosis).
If left untreated and over time the virus causes ongoing liver damage ranging from mild illness to more severe cirrhosis and potentially life-threatening liver failure. Co-infection with HIV or Hepatitis B can lead to faster progression of serious chronic liver disease. Short courses (8-16 weeks) of tablet-only treatment are now widely available in the UK and cure (permanently clear the hepatitis C virus from the body) more than 90% of people with hepatitis C infection. Unfortunately, there is not currently a vaccine to protect against hepatitis C and individuals need to take precautions to minimise the risk of getting hepatitis C infection again (known as re-infection).
Find out more about Hepatitis C on the British Liver Trust website.
Listen to Shabana’s story about being diagnosed with hepatitis C.
Listen to Stuart's story about being diagnosed with hepatitis C.
Testing
A blood test is carried out to see if someone has hepatitis C. GPs, Umbrella Sexual Health clinics and Change Grow Live (CGL) in Birmingham all offer testing for hepatitis C. The Hep C trust team also test in community settings for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C using dry blood spot tests. The Birmingham team can be accessed via the national helpline or calling 020 7089 6221.
Testing for hepatitis C is important because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or limit any damage to the liver, and help ensure the infection is not passed onto other people.
Prevention
Unlike hepatitis B, there is no vaccination for hepatitis C. Individuals can reduce their risk of hepatitis C through:
- not sharing any drug-injecting equipment with other people – including needles and other equipment, such as syringes, spoons and filters
- not sharing razors or toothbrushes that might be contaminated with blood
Page last updated: 30 January 2023
