Get a free test for Hepatitis C

Posted on:

This World Hepatitis Day get a free test for hepatitis C

The NHS is committed to eliminating hepatitis C as a major public health issue in England. But despite great progress there are thousands of people living with the virus without knowing about it.

This World Hepatitis Day, we all have a part to play. We must make people aware of the ways to acquire hepatitis C and the need to get a test if you are at risk.

There are many ways you can get hepatitis C. This includes:

  • Snorting or injecting recreational drugs
  • Having a tattoo or piercing in another country
  • Injecting steroids
  • Sharing razors or toothbrushes
  • From a pregnant woman to her unborn baby
  • If you received a blood transfusion or blood products before 1996
  • Through unprotected sex, although this risk is low

To reach our goal of eliminating hepatitis C we need to get more people testing.

If you are over the age of 18 and live in England, you can order a free and confidential home test for hepatitis C via the NHS. This is an at-home, self-sample test taking a few drops of blood from your finger. If found positive for hepatitis C, you can be treated and cured. This World Hepatitis Day get tested for hepatitis C at hepctest.nhs.uk/ref/whd24