Silent Hepatitis C Threatens Thousands

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22 May 2024

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that targets the liver, causing inflammation and damage untreated


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The UK saw increased demand for hepatitis C tests after the infected blood inquiry findings in 2024


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According to BBC, 1,750 people in the UK unknowingly have hepatitis C from contaminated blood transfusions; globally, thousands more


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Hepatitis C spreads through blood-to-blood contact, including intravenous drug use and medical procedures


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Baby boomers, born between 1945 and 1965, have higher hepatitis C rates due to past medical practices


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Hepatitis C, identified in 1989, led to a Nobel Prize; routine screening of blood began in 1991


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Symptoms are often mild or nonexistent; long-term infection can lead to severe liver disease and cancer


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Effective treatments for hepatitis C, available since 2013, have a high cure rate and few side effects


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The World Health Organization aims for global hepatitis C elimination by 2030; the UK targets 2025


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Free confidential home hepatitis C tests are available in the UK as part of elimination efforts


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