New Hepatitis C antiviral treatments are successfully helping patients across the Forth Valley, according to health experts.

With the new and more effective drug combinations, some of which have only become available in the past few months, 90-95 per cent of patients have been cured, compared to 70-75 per cent with traditional treatments.

The new drugs to treat the silent disease also have fewer side-effects and are taken for a shorter period of time, only eight to 12 weeks, compared to up to one year, also, some are available in tablet form rather than as an injection.

NHS Forth Valley consultant hepatologist Dr Pete Bramely said: “It can take as long as 20 to 30 years for serious liver damage caused by Hepatitis C to become apparent with increasing symptoms, hence the ‘silent killer’ label.

“Over the past few years, testing, treatment and care service provision has increased dramatically, however, we know that there are still many more people who are totally unaware that they are living with Hep C.

“I would urge anyone who may have been at risk at any point in their lives to get in touch so they can receive testing and specialist assessment, treatment and care if needed.

“Diagnosing and treating people who are unaware of their infection will improve their quality of life and prevent risks of future ill health, and in turn prevent onward transmission to uninfected people and the wider public.” With around 3000 people in the hospital’s catchment area believed to be infected with Hepatitis C, and only 1500 diagnosed, and with World Hepatitis Day on next Tuesday (28 July), an awareness campaign has been launched to urge everyone who suspects they may have ever been at risk of contracting the disease to come forward and get tested.

The infection can be caught by injecting or snorting any drug, including body building drugs. Other risks include tattoos, especially home-made ones, previous blood transfusions, needle stick injuries, sharing piercings and attending traditional barbers using open blades whilst on holiday.

Hepatitis C rarely spreads by sexual activity. Those infected more than 20 years ago are at a much higher risk of advanced disease and treatment can prevent further damage.

A key recommendation of the recent Penrose Inquiry is that anyone who had blood transfusions or products prior to 1991 should get tested.

Free training and awareness is available to any organisation on request and the hospital has been holding awareness sessions for the general public.

Those who would like a blood borne virus test should contact their local GP surgery or call the NHS Forth Valley hepatology service direct on 01786 434 079.

For more information and advice visit hepatitisscotland.org.uk or hepctrust.co.uk.