Over 90% of people that need treatment for Hepatitis C are accessing it resulting in micro-elimination, Bristol Drugs Project has announced.
Jess Oke, Bristol Drug Projects Blood-Borne Virus Nurse said, “It means we have a very clear picture of who has been tested, and we can safely say over 90% of people who need treatment are actually accessing it.”
Hepatitis C, a blood-borne virus that primarily affects the liver, is often transmitted through injecting drug use or shared contaminated equipment.
The project, which has been running for four years, remodelled testing for blood-borne viruses.
They sent home testing kits for the first time, providing testing to people who may have otherwise had to wait years.
Last year, a Preventx survey found that 73% of people in Bristol have limited or no knowledge of what the condition is.
On November 12, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston announced that thousands of people have been tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C as part of the new testing scheme.
Abigail Sellick, the peer program manager for Bristol and Severn ODN for the Hepatitis C Trust, said that despite the micro-elimination, more needs to be done to raise awareness particularly for university students to understand how Hepatitis C is transmitted.
“It’s quite important that students understand, because people hear injecting and think, that doesn’t apply to me because I’ve never done that.”
She added that Hepatitis C can be transmitted through the nose: “if you are snorting drugs, the note or straw or whatever you’re using, because you’ve got blood capillaries up your nose.”
Most people that have Hepatitis C are asymptomatic, but symptoms can include: fatigue, muscle and joint pains, nausea, depression, itchy skin and abdominal pain.
Hepatitis C attacks your liver, and over time can cause liver inflammation that can cause be fatal and lead to higher risks of cancer.
The most common mode of transmission in the UK is injecting drug use. Other risks include unprotected sex, mother to child and sharing razors or toothbrushes.
If you’re concerned you’ve been at risk of contracting Hepatitis C, you can access testing from these places in Bristol: BDP advice centre, GP, Sexual Health Clinic, NHS postal test kits.
