What is Hep C?
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus which can cause serious damage to your liver. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening harm. The virus is spread through exposure to infected blood and the symptoms can go unnoticed for many years.
How do I get Hep C?
The main way that you can get Hepatitis C is by coming into contact with the blood of someone who has the infection. These may include the following:
- Have you had unprotected sex?
- Have you used a needle or drug vial that is not sterilised properly?
- Have you shared any drug use equipment?
- Are you a man who has sex with men
- Have you had a blood transfusion before 1992?
- Have you had medical or dental treatment abroad?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, you are at risk of Hepatitis C. Find out what you can do about it below:
How do I get tested for Hepatitis C?
We offer free tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which you can order online and take at home. The free online tests are available in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
The free online testing kits can test for Hepatitis C (in addition to chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV) if the online form you fill in indicates there may be a risk of Hepatitis C. You can opt in or out of different tests. Kits come with instructions on how to take your test, as well as information on how you will get your results.