Are you informed about Hep C?

 

Hepatitis C (Hep C) is an unusual blood-borne disease which is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact.

Lots of people have hepatitis C without knowing it as it does not have any noticeable symptoms. If left undiscovered and untreated, it can cause potentially life-threatening damage to the liver and may also have adverse effects on the digestive system, lymphatic system, immune system and brain.

Are you at risk of having Hep C?

You may be at risk if you have had:

• a blood transfusion before 1996,
• injected or snorted drugs,
• had a tattoo or piercing using unsterile equipment,
• had medical, dental or cosmetic procedures (including vaccination) using unsterilised equipment
• spent significant time in South Asia

Check if you’re at risk with The Hepatitis C Trust’s Risk Checker.

For more information about hepatitis C, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis-c/.
 

Getting tested for Hep C

Testing for Hep C is easy. It’s just a simple finger prick test.

Treatment is a short course of tablets lasting 8-16 weeks and 95% of those treated, are cured.

If you live in Dorset Council and BCP Council areas and think you may need a test, call 07557 587 512 or email the Liver Nursing Team on Liver.NursingTeam@uhd.nhs.uk.

Prefer to test at home? You can also get tested via the NHS home testing service. It is safe, discreet and easy to use. Visit hepctest.nhs.uk.
 

Watch Neil’s hepatitis C story:

Why wait? Get Tested. Get treated. Get cured. Be free of Hep C.