Hepatitis C
Read our information and advice about hepatitis C, who is at risk, what you can do to get tested, treated and cured, and how you can join our effort to eliminate the virus.
Together, we're eliminating hepatitis C
At Waythrough, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy and happy life. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the national effort to eliminate hepatitis C (hep C) – a serious, but curable, viral infection.
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus, which means it’s carried in the blood. It affects the liver by preventing it from working properly, infecting the liver’s cells and causing inflammation.
Symptoms can often go unnoticed for years, which means it’s likely some people don’t even know they have it. If left untreated over time, the inflammation can cause scarring (fibrosis) which could eventually cause significant damage to the liver (cirrhosis).
But here’s the good news: it’s completely curable with the right treatment.
Who is at risk of hepatitis C?
When we think of who’s at risk of getting hepatitis C, it’s easy to stray into narrow stereotypes. It’s true that people who inject drugs like heroin are at increased risk of getting the virus, especially if they have shared needles with other people, but everyone should stop and think about their own risk level.
If you’ve had a tattoo at a place or in a situation where they you can’t be completely sure that the needles used have been properly sterilised, you could also be at risk.
You could even be at risk if you’ve shared a toothbrush with someone else who might have hep C.
And many different professions can put us in harm’s way, too. Police, healthcare, and security professionals all have a high chance of coming into contact with bodily fluids due to the nature of their work. That means – yep, you guessed it – they’re at risk!
How is hepatitis C tested?
Testing is quick, easy, and free through your local drug and alcohol service. Many services offer finger-prick tests, or a small blood sample for more detailed screening. It’s fast, confidential, and carried out by friendly professionals who are there to support you, not judge you.
You can find a drug and alcohol service near you on our website. They can support you to get a test, and treatment if you need it.
What does treatment involve?
If you test positive, don’t worry. Treatment has come a long way over the years.
Today, it’s simple, effective, and usually involves taking a course of tablets for eight to 12 weeks. These tablets have minimal side effects and over 95% of people who complete treatment are cured. You’ll get support every step of the way – from testing, to treatment, to being free of hep C.
What does hepatitis C elimination mean?
When we talk about ‘eliminating’ hep C, it doesn’t mean the virus no longer exists. It means stopping new infections and curing people who have it, so that it no longer poses a public health threat. It’s an ambitious but achievable goal, and it’s already becoming a reality for many of the communities we serve.
We’re proud to celebrate the incredible work of Waythrough services that have already achieved hepatitis C elimination in their local communities:
- Barnsley Recovery Steps
- Calderdale Recovery Steps
- Forward Leeds
- Lewisham Primary Care Recovery Service
- Recovery Steps Cumbria (South)
- South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service (STARS)
We won’t stop with our commitment to drive and support more services across the country to eliminate hep C.
If you’re at risk of hep C (and remember, you might be more at risk than you think), a test could save your life. If you work with people who might be at risk, supporting them to get a test could save their life. Why wouldn’t you?
Hepatitis C can be easily tested, treated and cured. Let’s make sure everyone knows it.
