SexualHealth

What is Hepatitis C?

It's a viral infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C virus and it's estimated that about 200,000 people in the UK have long term hep C infection about half of these are undiagnosed because people who are infected often have no symptoms for many years.

How do you get it?

It's very infectious but generally through blood-to-blood contact so sexual transmission can happen but is uncommon. The biggest risk at the moment is from sharing drug-injecting equipment nearly 40% of intravenous drug users are infected. The use of straws and bank notes for snorting cocaine is also pushing the infection rate up.

What are the symptoms?

In most cases the initial infection doesn't cause any symptoms but when it does they can include

What can I do?

A saliva test can detect it. Posted to you for next day delivery (if order received by 1600) after you have posted this back to our lab we will contact you with your result within 2-3 days.

What if its positive?

About 20-30% of people clear the virus from their bodies however in about 75% of cases the infection can last for more than 6 months (chronic hepatitis) which means the body isn't shifting the virus and medical treatment is necessary from a Hepatologist. There is no vaccine

It's important to get your partner tested too