Facts about hepatitis C

• It is estimated that 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected (infected more than six months)with the virus
• In the UK it is estimated that 250,000 (Dept of Health) could be infected with the virus, the majority of whom will be unaware of their infection
• First identified in 1989 (previously known as Hepatitis non A and non B). It is now acknowledge as the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer
• Currently there is no vaccine for the virus. There are effective but protracted treatment regimes.

Transmission routes include:

• Sharing needles and other drug paraphernalia, with an infected person
• Blood transfusion before September 1991 in the UK
• Tattooing and body piercing where equipment is not sterilised properly
• Sharing snorting equipment

Symptoms of the virus can include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of apatite
• Abdominal pain
• Alcohol intolerance

Facts about hepatitis B

• Estimates suggest that in the UK the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B is 0.3% (180,000 people)
• There is a vaccine for hepatitis B and has been since 1982
• By having the vaccine you will also be protected against hepatitis D.
• Since April 2000 all pregnant women in the UK are offered a screening for HBV

The virus can be transmitted in a variety of ways, but in the UK the most common route of transmission is via unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral) and sharing of equipment used during injecting drug use.