HEPATITIS C

What is it?

Hepatitis C is a virus that can damage the liver. Unlike Hepatitis A or B, there is NO vaccine to protect against Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is a BLOOD – BORNE virus that predominantly infects the cells of the liver. Although Hepatitis C is associated with liver inflammation and disease, recent research has shown that the virus can affect a number of other parts of the body such as the digestive system, lymphatic system, the brain and the immune system.

It is estimated that there are 200 MILLION people worldwide infected with Hepatitis C. Due to the common absence of symptoms, many people are unaware that they have the virus until some time after they have contracted it, which is why it is referred to as the ‘Silent Epidemic.’

The virus is extremely resilient and can survive outside of the body in a droplet of blood for up to 3 months which is why it is important that equipment used for medical procedures, tattooing, piercing etc are sterilised.

How can you catch Hepatitis C?

Firstly, Hepatitis C is carried in the blood. The virus has to have a means of entering the body. YOU CANNOT catch Hepatitis C through kissing, hugging, holding hands, sharing toilets, plates or cups!

You do NOT have to be an injecting drug user to catch Hepatitis C. The virus is spread through infected blood and can be passed in the following ways:

• By sharing equipment for injecting drugs, EVEN IF YOU ONLY DID IT ONCE OR TWICE, or a long time ago. Needles and syringes are the greatest risk, but other drug-injecting equipment such as spoons, filters and water could also carry the infection if they are contaminated by someone who has the virus.

• Through a blood transfusion (prior to September 1991) or blood products such as clotting factors (before 1986). All blood in the UK is now screened for Hepatitis C.

• Sharing straws, notes or other equipment for snorting cocaine EVEN IF YOU ONLY DID IT ONCE. Cocaine can make the nose bleed and cause ulceration of the lining of the nose. Sharing equipment with someone who is infected poses a risk.

 Although less common than the above, Hepatitis C can also be passed on in the following ways: 

• During medical and dental treatment in countries where hepatitis C is common and where equipment may not be sterilised.
• By having a tattoo, an ear piercing, a body piercing or acupuncture with equipment that is not sterile
• By sharing razors or toothbrushes which have been contaminated with blood from someone who has the virus.
• Through unprotected sex (without a condom) with someone who has the virus

•  From a mother with Hepatitis C to her baby, before or during the birth

What should you do if you are concerned you may have contracted the disease?

IF YOU THINK YOU COULD HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE VIRUS IN ANY OF THESE WAYS SEE YOUR NURSE OR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Do not be embarrassed or ashamed to see the doctor. Whilst there is no vaccine to guard against it, effective treatment IS available.

How might the virus affect me in the long term?

About 1 in 4 people who become infected with Hepatitis C will get rid of the virus naturally. However, most people who become infected will have it for a very long time.

This may affect them in various ways:

Some people may stay well throughout their lives. About 1 in 5 people may develop sever liver damage (cirrhosis) after many years. In some people, cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer or liver failure.

How do I know if I have the virus?

Most people who have the virus have no symptoms – hence it’s nickname as the ‘silent epidemic’. If you think you could have been in contact with the virus even just the once, you can have a simple blood test to find out if you have been infected.

Where can I get a test?

In the Isle of Man – contact your local GP who can arrange a blood test, or your local drug service.

What treatments are available if I test positive?

As this is a huge one – we would refer you to the Overview of Treatment on the main Hepatitis C website which gives you comprehensive information.

How to avoid becoming infected or passing on the virus to others

•     Don’t start injecting drugs

•     If you already do inject – use the needle exchange – don’t share any equipment including needles, syringes, water, spoons, cups, filters or anything else that can become contaminated with blood

•     If you are considering getting your ears pierced, have a body piercing or getting a tattoo or acupuncture, check that all the equipment such as needles and ink pots are sterile and are not being used more than once.

•     Don’t share razors or toothbrushes

•     If you or your sexual partner, have hepatitis C there is a small risk that it could be passed on during sex. Condoms reduce this risk. Using condoms will also help to protect you against unwanted pregnancy, HIV and many other sexually transmitted infections.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

Local

Your Local GP

Hepatitis C Support Group Isle of Man WEB: ‘MANX LIVERTY’ their email address is liverty@manx.net

Drug Advice Service & Helpline (DASH) Telephone: 615622 Email

Health Promotion: Telephone: 642592

Isle of Man Government Drug & Alcohol Team  Telephone: 617889

UK

The Hepatitis C Trust Telephone: 0870 200 1 200

UK Hepatitis C Resource Centre  Telephone: 0870 242 2467

The British Liver Trust   Telephone: 01425 463080

Guide to Hepatitis Websites

NHS Hepatitis C Website  Telephone: 0800 451 451

Children’s Liver Disease Foundation   Telephone 0121 212 3839

Haemophilia Society  Telephone: 0800 018 6068

Sexual Health Line Telephone: 0800 567 123