Hepatitis C: More than 50% of Bristolians ‘know nothing’ about virus

A health initiative to boost blood testing efforts is underway this week.

European Testing Week hopes to raise awareness of diseases such as hepatitis C by encouraging people to get tested as early as possible.

Bristolians are encouraged to purchase a home testing kit if they believe they are at risk of contracting the virus.

Keith Hathaway, 48, from Bristol, said: “I am living proof that hepatitis C can be cured and treated.

“I was shocked when I was diagnosed with hepatitis C. My friends and I knew nothing about it. I was lucky that I found out at the time.”

Mr. Hathaway began treatment for hepatitis C in 2019. He started working for the Hepatitis C Trust in 2022, raising awareness of the virus and helping others to get diagnosed. He added: “It’s really important that people get tested if they are at risk. I think people sometimes think hepatitis C only affects drug users or homeless people.

“That’s not the case, I’ve worked with everyone from people in the gym to people who got infected after getting a tattoo.”

This continent-wide initiative is a partnership between organizations across communities, healthcare and policy agencies.

According to the Opinion Matters survey, 73% of Bristol residents said they had limited or no knowledge about hepatitis C.

This includes how the virus is contracted, how to treat it and what symptoms to watch out for. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that is spread through blood contact.

The most common way the virus is spread is through sharing needles and other drug paraphernalia.

In many cases, people with hepatitis C live with the virus for decades before they begin to notice symptoms, by which time the damage to the liver may have become irreversible.

However, when using simple antiviral drugs, the cure rate for the virus is almost 100%.

Rachel Halford, chief executive of the Hepatitis C Trust, said: “With public awareness of hepatitis C so low and a lack of testing within the public – there are likely thousands of people who don’t know they are facing it Risk of contracting the virus.

“If you’re worried about hepatitis C, it’s never been easier to get tested. NHS home testing kits will help you find out quickly and confidentially if you have the virus so you can start treatment immediately.”

Symptoms are similar to those of the flu and include muscle aches, loss of appetite, excessive fatigue and depression. As a result, many people remain unaware that they have hepatitis C.