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.
Information for the public
Treatment and vaccination
Hepatitis B and C
- Hepatitis (A, B, C, D) | HSC Public Health Agency
- Northern Ireland Hepatitis B & C Managed Clinical Network | Northern Ireland Hepatitis B & C Managed Clinical Network
HIV/AIDS and STIs
- Preventing STIs - Sexual Health NI
- Vaccination - Sexual Health NI
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - Sexual Health NI website contains useful information on all blood-borne viruses and STIs.
- Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics specialise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of STIs and HIV.
- Depending on where you live, services and advice on STI testing, your sexual health may be available from:
- hospital clinics based in your local Trust area
- online services (SH24)
- your own GP
- young people’s services Free & Confidential Sexual Health & Wellbeing Advice | Common Youth