Hepatitis C is a virus that is transferred by blood-to-blood contact. During the first years of the infection there may be no obvious symptoms. As the disease progresses the patient may develop:

  • Lethargy/tiredness
  • Itchy skin
  • Jaundice: Yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes
  • Fluid build-up in the abdomen
  • Poor appetite
  • Bleeding easily
  • Bruising easily

Hepatitis C – How is it Spread? How is it detected? How is it treated?

 

Hepatitis C is a virus spread via blood-to-blood contact; 95% of hepatitis C is contracted through sharing drug paraphernalia, especially needles, snorting tubes, spoons, filters, or pipes.

 

Hepatitis C can also be transferred from sharing any items that could have tiny amounts of blood on such as: Hair clippers, toothbrushes, nail clippers, razors, non-sterile medical equipment used in tattooing also medical procedures abroad, and blood transfusion prior to 1996.

Various tests can be carried out. Oral swab: This takes a small saliva sample from the gums and can detect antibodies. People who have been treated for hepatitis C will still carry antibodies, but this does not mean they cannot become re-infected. A dry blood spot test will tell medical professionals if hepatitis C is active, and this will be followed up with bloods taken from the vein for a full assessment.

Hepatitis C can now easily be treated with oral medication for a few weeks. If left untreated hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.  Hepatitis C is a progressive disease and while patients may not have any symptoms it will be doing increasing damage to the liver.

  • Don’t share needles.
  • Don’t share any drug taking paraphernalia.
  • Ensure that any salon or tattoo studio you use has correct sanitization procedures.
  • Don’t share anything that could have tiny amounts of blood on, even invisible to the naked eye, such as razors, toothbrushes, hair clippers, nail clippers, etc.
  • Speak with your GP if you are concerned about past blood transfusions or if you are considering any medical procedures abroad.