Further info

Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus that can go undetected for years if not tested. There is currently no vaccine however treatment is 95% effective of those who are infected. If left untreated the virus can progress to liver damage, liver cancer and potentially end stage liver disease.

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B can be acute (short and severe) or chronic (long term). Hepatitis B can cause a chronic infection and puts people at high risk of developing live cirrhosis and liver cancer. In highly endemic areas, hepatitis B is most commonly spread from mother to child at birth (perinatal transmission) or through horizontal transmission (exposure to infected blood), especially from an infected child to an uninfected child during the first 5 years of life. Hepatitis B is also spread by needlestick injury, tattooing, piercing and exposure to infected blood and body fluids, such as vaginal and seminal fluids. 

Free confidential Hepatitis C home testing kits are available to order online via this link Home - HepC (hepctest.nhs.uk). 

For further details or to arrange an in person test, contact:
- Rebecca Matthews: 07563373338, Rebecca.matthews@esneft.ns.uk
- Elle Pentelow: 07936601194; Elle.Pentalow@esneft.nhs.uk

Professionals referring patients with Hepatitis B/C who require treatment, can email us at: viralhepcoordinator@esneft.nhs.uk.