About Us

The Hepatitis C Resource Centre is Mainliners primary vehicle for the promotion of education and awareness around hepatitis C.  The Resource Centre is committed to the vision that only through strong partnership working amongst public, private and voluntary sector bodies can the issues surrounding the prevention and treatment of hepatitis C be addresses.  As part of its extensive work with the Scottish Government under the Phase II Action Plan, The Resource Centre has become a central cog in the development of the voluntary sector to effectively meet the targets set out by the Plan. 

Aims of the Resource Centre

1. Reducing transmission of hepatitis C and its associated harm through improved awareness and understanding of the virus and liver disease
2. Promoting a patient centred multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment and care of individuals living with hepatitis C.
3. Encouraging the access and retention of individuals in care pathways for hepatitis C through support, advocacy and signposting.
4. Influencing policy and strategy development to tackled viral hepatitis by raising the profile of hepatitis C and its associated quality of life considerations.

 

Hepatitis C Basics

Prevalence

It is estimated 2.5% of the world's population are infected with Hepatitis C - around 200 million people. In the UK an estimated 250,000 people have the virus. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.

What is Hep C?

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that attacks the cells of the liver. It is transmitted mostly by people who share injecting equipment. Approx 50% of active injection users have Hepatitis C.  Sharing equipment in prison carries a high risk of infection because of dirty needles and paraphernalia.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by alcohol, drugs and toxins and many viruses such as Hepatitis A B and C.

Hepatitis C was discovered in 1989 and as it is a relatively new disease there is still a lot of research being carried out for a further understanding of the virus.

Hepatitis C can damage the liver and affects the rest of the body such as the digestive system, immune system and brain.

Some people do clear the virus naturally but the majority go on to develop chronic infection.  Symptoms are vague and many people are unaware they have Hepatitis C until symptoms of liver damage appear decades after infection.

There are 6 different types of Hepatitis C called genotypes. Genotypes 1, 2 and 3 are most commonly found in the UK.

Transmission

Hepatitis C is passed trough blood to blood contact. The majority of cases are caused by sharing needles, spoon, filters, water and the drug itself. Blood transfusions before 1991 posed a risk  - all blood products have been screened in the UK since 1991.

There is a lower risk of being infected by needle stick injury, sharing toothbrushes, razors and toiletries that can nick and scratch, unsterilized tattoo and piercing equipment, mother to baby and sex.

There is no risk in catching Hepatitis C through everyday social contact such as hugging, kissing or sharing cups and cutlery.

20% of those infected with Hepatitis C clear the virus naturally. 80% go on to have chronic infection. A simple blood test can detect Hepatitis C antibodies.  A positive result means Hepatitis C was in the blood stream but now cleared or Hepatitis C is still present in the blood. A second blood test called a PCR test will confirm if the virus is still present in the blood or not.

Treatment

Treatment  aims to clear the virus from the body and prevent cirrhosis of the liver developing.

Treatment is a combination of pegylated interferon injection and Ribavirin anti viral tablets.

The length of treatment and success of treatment depends on the genotype. Genotype 1 is treated for 48 weeks with a 50% success rate. Genotypes 2 and 3 are treated for 12 - 24 weeks with an 80% success rate.

Side effects of treatment can be severe. Fatigue, depression, flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, dry skin and itching  are the most common.

Diet

People with chronic Hepatitis C are advised to eat a healthy balanced diet and avoid alcohol.

Support

It is recommended that people with Hepatitis C join a support group or speak to a support worker about issues relating to the virus. Speaking to someone who is going through the same thing helps to deal with the fear and isolation that can be associated with diagnosis.

National helpline - 0870 242 2467

 

Please visit our Blood Borne Virus page for specific information related to Hepatitis C and HIV