Forward Leeds tested 256 people for the hepatitis C virus during European Testing Week, 22-29 November.
The city’s alcohol and drug service had a drive, with colleagues from the Hepatitis C Trust, to test as many people as possible for the virus in the five days they were open.
Health Care Assistant at the Forward Leeds hub in Seacroft Matt Webster tested 106 people in a week
Team Manager at the Forward Leeds Armley Hub, Rebecca Knowles said: “The numbers last week are fantastic and we’re going to keep testing people every day. Getting people tested and treated is helping to keep the whole of the City of Leeds community safer as it means there’s less chance of the virus spreading.
“So often people are unaware they have the virus – the signs aren’t always immediately apparent. The liver is an amazingly resilient organ and can continue to function until the damage has become really severe. That’s why it’s important for people to get tested and then treated if they think they may have been at risk even once.”
Hepatitis C infects the liver and can cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage over many years.
The virus is spread primarily through the blood. One of the highest risk groups are people who inject drugs.
Treatment for hepatitis C has improved dramatically in the last few years. Over 95% of those with hepatitis C are cured, with simple, effective tablets in 8-12 weeks with very few side effects.
A selection of the pebbles from the Seacroft hub
People who were getting tested at the Forward Leeds hub in Seacroft were asked to decorate stones with positive messages about how they felt.
If you believe you might have been exposed to hepatitis C, then speak to a medical professional such as your GP about getting tested.
Untreated hepatitis C can also cause a range of other symptoms, such as: muscular pain and achy joints, pain in the abdominal and liver area, fatigue, depression, headaches, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss.
For further information contact the Hepatitis C Trust 0207 089 6221 Helpline@HepCTrust.org.uk