What is Hepatitis C?

• Hepatitis C is a virus that can lead to inflammation of the liver
• In most cases, it does not have any symptoms and so most people don't realise they have it
• If untreated, the infection can cause chronic liver disease and, very rarely, cancer of the liver

• The Hepatitis C virus is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, and very rarely through sexual intercourse
• The most common route of transmission in the UK is intravenous drug use
• It cannot be transmitted through social contact, kissing, or sharing food and drink

• About four in every 1,000 people in the UK may be Hepatitis C carriers
• Treatment helps to achieve clearance in up to 80 per cent of carriers

Since 2007, all healthcare workers new to the NHS should be offered a Hepatitis C test, and anyone performing surgical procedures should be tested for Hepatitis C by their health board.

For more information and advice:

Visit the Hepatitis C Trust website

Phone NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47