Hepatitis C can do serious damage without you knowing1

Find out if you’re at risk – and what you can do about it

Order an at home NHS blood test

What is Hep C?

Hepatitis C, or hep C, is a virus.

It is spread through blood to blood contact and can seriously damage your liver without you knowing. Symptoms can go unnoticed for many years.

If left untreated hep C may cause scarring to the liver, cancer and even death.1

an illustration of a woman highlighting her liver
are you at risk? illustration of a person getting dental surgery illustration of a woman with a tattoo 1989 hep c discovered, 1991 blood donation screening for hepc began in the UK

Are You At Risk?

You can become infected with hep C if you come into contact with infected blood.1 There are several ways in which this can happen, you may be at risk if you have:

Injected illegal or recreational drugs

    It is estimated over 65% of people with hep C are those who previously injected drugs, and roughly a 20% are current injecting drug users.2 So if you have ever injected drugs, even if it was a long time ago, you may be at risk.

Had medical, dental or cosmetic treatment abroad

Had a tattoo or piercing abroad

Had a blood transfusion before 1996?

If you think you might be at risk, you can order a free confidential at home hep C blood test.

You can also talk to your doctor about arranging a free in-person test.

Order an at home NHS blood test

Other less common risk factors include unprotected sex with a person living with hep C, sharing toothbrushes, scissors and razors, needle stick injuries or transmission from a mother to their unborn child.4,1

If any of these apply to you, or you have any questions about your risk of hep C, then you should speak to your doctor.

Order a test

What are the symptoms?

People often don’t experience symptoms of hep C for many years. If symptoms do develop after infection, they may include:1

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • High temperature
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach ache
  • Feeling and being sick

If left untreated hep C may cause scarring to the liver, cancer and even death.1

Learn more about hep C symptoms

Approximately 50%

of people living with hep C do not know that they have the virus6

What to do if you’ve been exposed to hep C risks or have symptoms?

Currently, there is no effective vaccine to stop you contracting hep C, if exposed.

The best way to prevent hep C is by avoiding risk factors that can spread the disease, such as:1

  • Sharing drug-injecting equipment with other people.
  • Sharing razors or toothbrushes that might be contaminated with blood.
  • Preventing exposure to blood during sex – although the risk of getting hep C through sex is low.

Early diagnosis can prevent health problems that may result from infection and prevent transmission of the virus.8

Get tested

Get tested

If you think you could have come into contact with the hep C virus, don’t wait until you feel unwell to get tested.
Get treated

Get treated

If you do have hep C, treatment involves taking tablets every day for 8 to 12 weeks for most patients. Treatment duration will depend on individual characteristics.7
Get cured

Get cured

Treatment, once completed, may cure more than 95% of people.8

More information

The Hepatitis C Trust offers a confidential helpline to support people affected by hep C and those that think they may be at risk. The helpline number is 020 7089 6221.

Disclaimer: Be Free of Hep C and Hep C, Ki? campaigns have been developed and funded by Gilead Sciences Ltd, as part of an initiative with industry partners to support the NHS England Hepatitis C Elimination Programme. Together, we are accelerating our progress towards hepatitis C elimination in England by raising awareness of hepatitis C risk factors, testing and treatment.

Order an at home NHS blood test