Department of Health

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Bloodborne viruses

The most common serious viruses carried in people's bloodstreams are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

Hepatitis B

Early symptoms of the hepatitis B virus are flu-like, and infection can lead to liver disease and liver cancer. The virus circulates in the blood and body fluids of infected people, and spreads by sexual contact, other close contact and the sharing of needles and razors. Babies with infected mothers can also become infected during birth. However, a vaccination is available.

Hepatitis C

People infected with hepatitis C virus often show no symptoms initially, but long term effects can include liver damage and cancer. The virus is transmitted by infected body fluids, and needle sharers are at particular risk. Babies can also be infected by their mothers during birth. No vaccine exists to prevent hepatitis C infection, but treatments are available that are effective in over 50% of cases.

HIV

The UK is a relatively low prevalence country for HIV infections as a result of sustained public education and health promotion campaigns. Nevertheless, HIV remains a life-threatening condition. The introduction of drug therapies has improved the lives of many people infected with HIV, but there is still no cure. The National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV sets out the Government's aims for tackling HIV in England. Among other things, It includes goals for reducing the spread of HIV, sets standards for the treatment, support and care of people living with HIV and makes proposals to ensure that there is a sound evidence base for effective HIV prevention.

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