What are Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs)?
There are three main blood borne viruses- HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. They are passed from person to person through various routes:
- Sharing of any injecting equipment including spoons, filters and water Unprotected sex- heterosexual or men who have sex with men
- Unsterile medical and dental treatment or unsterile body piercing f tattoos (particularly from abroad)
- Blood to blood contact from an infected individual (e.g. fights and bites)
- Transfusion of contaminated blood products pre 1991
- Sharing everyday items e.g. toothbrushes, razors, nail scissors
HIV and Hepatitis B are more common in certain groups (e.g. men who have sex with men) or those who have had unprotected sexual activity particularly in ‘high prevalence’ areas (e.g. Sub Saharan Africa, the Far East and Eastern Europe). Hepatitis C is much more common in Injecting drug users. Whilst Hepatitis C is less likely to be transmitted through sexual intercourse, it is still a possible route of transmission.
How do Blood Borne Viruses Affect People?
HIV Infection Initially presents as a flu-like illness, and the person is usually unaware of the infection for many years. In the long term the virus progresses and destroys the body’s natural defences {immune system). This leaves the body vulnerable to a great many infections some of which can be fatal. Drug treatment for HIV is now so successful the illness is now seen as a “long term” condition, with people living longer lives.
Hepatitis B infection causes inflammation of the liver, which often presents as jaundice. The infection can be acute with 80% of Individuals infected suffering chronic long term Infection, which causes scarring of the liver {cirrhosis). This can lead to liver cancer and can be fatal In some cases. There is now an extremely effective vaccine that can prevent Hep-8 infection. This vaccine Is given to those most ‘at risk’ (check the list above of potential risks) of contracting the Infection. Contact any of the services listed above or your GP if you have been exposed to or think you are at risk of Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C usually presents as a flu-like Illness and may remain silent for many years, with the only symptoms being tiredness and poor concentration. In the long term, if undiagnosed and untreated, it may cause cirrhosis or liver cancer, which is often fatal. Early diagnosis is vital, and there are now new very effective drug treatments with a 98% success rate of clearing the virus.
BBV Tests
A Dry Blood Spot (DBS) test can be done to test for all three viruses. The test is quick finger prick which can be carried out at the various sites noted above. A follow up blood test may be required after a couple of months to ascertain whether there has been a past history of having a virus, this will be discussed and explained to you when the test is taken.
Why have BBV Screening?
Having a diagnosis of a BBV infection a!!ows you to protect/Improve your own health (e.g. reducing alcohol consumption, good dietary intake, stopping smoking and taking regular exercise) all improve health outcomes. Onward transmission of your BBV can be reduced by taking simple precautions {e.g. always practicing safe sex and not sharing drug injecting or tattooing equipment). Pregnant Women are offered testing as part of their ante-natal screeing and can also make choices about pregnancy and the safe delivery of their babies. Treatment can greatly reduce the risk of HIV and Hepatitis B being passed on to the baby.
Where to get a BBV test;
- Transform Forth Valley01259 272112
- Change Grow Live – Recovery service Forth Valley0808 196 2188.
- Community Alcohol & Drug Service (CADS); Stirling01786 434430 or Falkirk 01324 673670.
- Sexual Health Services;01324 673554
Forth Valley Hepatitis C Patient Stories
Listen to our local area radio adverts to help raise awareness of the risks of Hepatitis C and information on how to receive treatment or screening tests.