Blood-borne viruses and STIs

Blood-borne viruses and STIs comprise of Hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, STIs

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and can also cause long term liver damage. There is a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis B infection, which should be given to all individuals who are at risk from hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis C

The hepatitis C virus was first identified in 1989. It is acquired mostly through blood-to-blood contact, although a small number may be sexually acquired.  Most people who are infected have mild or no symptoms initially, so are often unaware of their infection.  However chronic hepatitis C results in long-term liver damage for about 20% of those infected.

HIV/AIDS

Transmission of HIV is predominantly through sexual intercourse, although it can also be transmitted by blood-to-blood contact and from an HIV-infected mother at birth. 

The immediate public health challenges remain consistent across the UK: increasing incidence and prevalence of HIV; early identification of those infected; rising costs of care; inequalities in disease distribution and determinants; and the associated mortality and long-term morbidity.

STIs

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases that can be transmitted by unprotected sex, read more about the types of STIs on Sexual Health NI.