West London Hep C ODN

What if I test positive? (Let's walk through it) 🧭

Deep breath. You tested positive for Hepatitis C.

Here's what happens next – and none of it is scary.

1. A nurse or doctor will call you. They'll explain your results kindly.
2. They'll do a second test to confirm (standard procedure).
3. If confirmed, they'll talk about treatment: daily tablets for 8–12 weeks.
4. You'll get the medication free on the NHS.
5. You finish treatment. You get retested. Virus gone. Cured.

That's it. No drama. No shame. No life sentence.

Positive result = treatment plan. Not punishment.

You will be ok. I promise. 💙

How long for results? ⏰

Waiting for results is the hardest part. I get it.

Here's what to expect:

🏠 Home test (England, Wales, Ireland): 2–4 weeks (postage + lab time)
🏥 GP or clinic: 1–2 weeks (sometimes faster)

If results are negative – you'll get a text, call, or letter. That's it. Done.

If results are positive – someone will contact you to talk through next steps. Treatment. Cure. Support.

The wait feels long. But knowing is always better than wondering.

You can handle whatever the result is. And you won't be alone. 💪

At the beginning of May, Professor Ashley Brown, Clinical Lead, NHS England HCV Elimination Programme, provided a brilliant training session for our Southern Community Team on Hepatitis B.

Huge thanks to Ashley for a very helpful and insightful session!

Do I need to fast before a Hep C test? 🍕

Nope! You can eat normally. Drink normally. Live your life.

A Hepatitis C test is a simple blood test (or finger-prick). No special preparation needed.

The only thing to remember: if you think you've been exposed recently, you might need to wait a few weeks before testing (called the "window period").

· Most people test positive by 8–12 weeks after exposure
· If in doubt, test now and test again later

But for most people? Just test. No fasting. No fuss. No fear.

Your liver says: "Thanks, friend." 🧡

Let’s be honest—most of us put off health checks 😅

But this one is quick, simple, and could make a big difference.

Hepatitis C testing is usually just a finger-prick or small blood test. That’s it.
No long appointments. No complicated process. Just a small step that looks after you 💙

You can order a confidential test, straight to you.
https://hepctest.nhs.uk/ref/wsl1

Have a look today—testing might be easier than you think.

Order a Test - HepC

How to support someone through Hep C treatment 🤗

So your friend tested positive. Now what?

First – breathe. It's curable. This is not a crisis.

Here's how to help:
✅ Offer to pick up their medication (daily tablets for 8–12 weeks)
✅ Check in with a text: "How are you feeling today?"
✅ Remind them: side effects are usually mild (fatigue, maybe headache)
✅ Celebrate with them when they get the "cured" result
✅ Don't treat them differently – they're still the same person

Your support can make treatment feel less lonely.

And if you're the one going through treatment? You've got this. And you've got people who care. 🧡

Speaking out is scary – but silence is scarier 🗣️

I get it. Talking about Hep C feels uncomfortable. What will people think? Will they judge me?

But here's the reality:

Silence = people don't test = people don't get cured = virus spreads.

Speaking out = normalises testing = more cures = elimination by 2030.

You don't have to shout it from a rooftop. Just:

· Share a post like this
· Tell one friend you got tested
· Ask your GP for a test openly

Small ripples create big waves.

Your voice matters. Use it. 💛

What to say if a friend tells you they have Hep C 🤝

Your friend just shared something vulnerable. They're probably scared of being judged.

Here's what NOT to say:
❌ "How did you get it?"
❌ "My cousin had that…"
❌ awkward silence

Here's what TO say:
✅ "Thank you for telling me."
✅ "I'm here for you."
✅ "Do you know about the cure? It's really quick now."
✅ "Do you want help finding a test or treatment?"

Your reaction can shape whether they seek help or hide.

Be the friend who makes it safe to speak out. 💙

Hep C is a death sentence" – ABSOLUTELY FALSE 🚫

This myth makes me sad. Because it's so wrong.

Hep C is curable. Over 95% cure rate. 8–12 weeks of tablets.

That's not a death sentence. That's a short course of medication.

Left untreated for decades, yes, Hep C can cause liver damage. But that's why testing exists. Catch it early (or even late) – treat it – cure it.

So if you've been avoiding testing because you're scared of bad news… let that fear go.

The only bad news would be not knowing.
Knowledge saves lives. 💙

Myth: "Only people who inject drugs get Hep C" – FALSE 🚫

This is one of the most harmful myths.

Yes, sharing needles is a risk factor -but Hep C doesn't care about your lifestyle.

You could have caught it from:
🩸 A blood transfusion before 1991 (UK) or 1996 (Ireland/Scotland)
🩸 Unsterile medical or dental equipment (historical)
🩸 A tattoo or piercing abroad
🩸 Sharing a razor or toothbrush with an infected person (small risk)
🩸 Birth – mother to baby

Hep C is a virus, not a moral judgment.

So let's stop assuming. And start testing. 🧡

https://hepctest.nhs.uk/ref/wsl1

Order a Test - HepC