Hepatitis C

Q&A: Get Tested - Get Treated - Get Cured

Hep C Poster

What is Hepatitis C?

  • Hepatitis C is virus carried in the blood (known as a Blood Borne Virus or BBV), it can also be called Hep C or HCV. 
  • Hepatitis C causes inflammation of the liver. When your liver becomes inflamed, it can become damaged and eventually have difficulty carrying out its various and vital functions. Over a long period of time, this can lead to serious liver damage such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

 Is Hepatitis C common?

  • In Scotland, it is estimated that approximately 37,000 individuals are infected with Hepatitis C. However, many people infected with Hepatitis C are completely unaware of it because they may have no symptoms. 

How do you get Hepatitis C?

  • In Scotland the main way people become infected with the Hepatitis C Virus is by sharing needles and other injecting equipment such as water, filters and syringes.
  • If a person has ever injected drugs and shared equipment- including performance and image enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids- even if it was many years ago, they could be at risk of having Hepatitis C and should get tested.
  • There are other ways to get Hepatitis C including sexual transmission, tattoos, and health care in countries where procedures may not be sterile.
  • For more information visit nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/hepatitis-c

How do you feel if you have Hepatitis C?

  • Most people do not have any symptoms at all.
  • There are very few symptoms associated with Hepatitis C. Some people have a lack of energy, feel tired and have aching muscles and joints. Others report suffering from “brain fog”. 

What is the test for Hepatitis C?

  • Hepatitis C is diagnosed with a blood test- if you think you have been at risk get tested.

Where can I get tested?

  • Testing can be done by your GP.
  • We also offer testing for clients who attend drug and alcohol support services throughout Grampian, and at some needle exchange pharmacies in Grampian.

I have recently had a blood test at the Dr’s or hospital - will they have tested for Hepatitis C?

  • Not necessarily- routine blood tests for other conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol or anaemia do not test for hepatitis C.

If I have Hepatitis C what happens next?

  • If diagnosed with Hepatitis C you will be referred to the Liver Specialist Nurses. The nurses will perform blood tests and a scan to determine what condition your liver is in.

Can Hepatitis C be cured?

  • Yes it can be cured with a short course of tablets.
  • Treatment is very straight forward. You would take tablets daily for between 8-16 weeks.

Do the tablets have side effects?

  • The majority of people do not feel any side effects

I heard that the treatment for Hepatitis C makes you feel really ill. What’s changed?

  • We now only use new treatments for Hepatitis C. The old treatments took longer to work and had more side effects.
  • There has never been a better time to get treated for Hepatitis C.

Is there a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C?

  • No, there is no vaccine for Hep C.

How can I prevent getting Hepatitis C?

  • Never share needles, syringes, water or any other equipment when injecting drugs- use clean equipment every time you inject.

A list of injecting equipment providers in Grampian is available (pdf)

  • Use a condom when having sex. Free condoms and lube are available from many outlets including pharmacies and sexual health clinics. You can also order them to be delivered by post – email freecondoms@nhs.scot

or telephone the NHS Grampian healthline on 08085 202030 to place your order.

  • Go to a licensed practitioner if you are getting a tattoo or piercing
  • Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered with a waterproof dressing
  • Wear rubber gloves to clean up blood spills
  • Never share toothbrushes or razors

For more information visit:

Get Tested - Get Treated – Get Cured

Published: 06/10/2023 16:09