Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral infection. Very rarely it can also be passed on through other body fluids, such as through having unprotected sex. Drug users sharing needles are at particular risk, as is anyone whose blood has come into contact with the blood of someone infected with hepatitis C.

The virus is not transmitted through normal social contact, such as hugging, kissing, sharing kitchen utensils or via a toilet seat.

Approximately 20% of people will fight the infection and naturally clear it from their bodies within two to six months. Of the rest, some will remain well and never develop liver damage, but many will develop mild to moderate liver damage (with or without symptoms).

A further 20% will progress to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) over a period of 20-30 years. Excessive drinking of alcohol is often associated with an increased likelihood of progressing to severe liver complications.

There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, but treatment can clear the infection in approximately half of those who are infected.