Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can damage the liver.
It is usually transmitted through blood-to-blood contact such as sharing injecting equipment when taking drugs, sharing razors or toothbrushes that are contaminated with infected blood, or having a tattoo or piercing with unsterilised equipment.
Transmission during vaginal sex is uncommon.
Men who have sex with men can be at higher risk of hepatitis C if:
- They are living with HIV
- They take part in chemsex, particularly if injecting drugs
- They take part in group sex, fisting or sharing sex toys without using condoms or gloves
Symptoms
Many people with hepatitis C don’t have any symptoms. Symptoms can include:
- fever
- tiredness
- feeling sick or being sick
- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- pain in your upper tummy
Testing
A blood test can check if you have hepatitis C.
If you need a test, you can:
- contact us via phone: 0300 123 5474
- come along to one of our walk-in and wait clinics:
Get a free home test for hepatitis C
If you are over the age of 18 and live in England, you can now order a free and confidential home test for hepatitis C via the NHS. Home - HepC (hepctest.nhs.uk)
Get a free home test for hepatitis C
If you are over the age of 18 and live in England, you can now order a free and confidential home test for hepatitis C via the NHS Home - HepC (hepctest.nhs.uk)
Treatment
Hepatitis C can be successfully treated with a course of antiviral medication. After treatment you do not become immune to hepatitis C, so it is possible to become reinfected.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of hepatitis C by:
- Not sharing drug taking equipment, including needles, syringes and spoons
- Not having tattoos or piercings from unlicensed premises
- Not sharing razors or toothbrushes that might be contaminated with blood
- Using condoms, especially for anal sex
More information