THURSDAY, 26 JULY, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

NHS Tayside supports World Hepatitis Day

To support World Hepatitis Day on Saturday, 28 July, NHS Tayside is encouraging people to get tested for Hepatitis C and to take advantage of improved treatments.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a chronic, infectious, fatal disease which can cause serious liver damage and liver cancer. Those most at risk include people who are currently or have a history of injecting drugs (even if it was only once or twice), including steroids or other performance enhancing or body image drugs. In addition, individuals who have had tattoos or medical or dental procedures carried out abroad at facilities that may not have used sterile equipment should consider getting tested.

Donna Thain, Blood Borne Virus Managed Care Network Manager with NHS Tayside said, “We want to get across the message that Hepatitis C, when diagnosed, can be cured. The testing is quick and easy and is widely available across Tayside, in most cases using a finger-prick test.

“We are world leading in our approach to identifying, diagnosing and engaging individuals in HCV treatment. We have diagnosed 85% of our estimated chronic population in Tayside and cured the majority, but there are still a lot of people who do not know they have hepatitis C, posing a risk both to their own health as well as an ongoing transmission risk to others. Many people will have been infected 10 – 20 years ago and be unaware of their diagnosis.

“Fear of stigma and lack of information often holds people back from getting tested or seen by specialist staff. We want to make sure that people know that there is wide range of friendly, accessible services across Tayside that can offer testing and access to very effective treatments.

“Hepatitis C is completely curable and treatment for most people will be with 8-12 weeks of tablets. Over 95% of people can be cured easily.”

A focus on testing, accessible treatment and prevention will ensure the elimination of hepatitis C as a public health concern in Scotland in the years to come, improving the health of those affected by the illness and those at risk.

World Hepatitis Day is a good opportunity to raise awareness of hepatitis C. NHS Tayside is supporting the national campaign Three Asks for Elimination (#3AsksElimination):

1. Get more people diagnosed and/or into care

2. Treat people whenever and wherever they ask

3. Prevention is better than cure

 For more information on hepatitis C visit:
www.hepscot.org

For information on local services:
www.sexualhealthtayside.org

Contact:

Carin Pettersson

NHS Tayside Communications

01382 740716