Blood Borne Viruses (BBVS) are viruses that people carry in their blood and can be transmitted from one person to another through blood or bodily fluids. Common types of blood borne viruses include HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
The main ways people might become infected are –
- Having sex without a barrier method such as a condom
- Sharing injecting equipment
- Sharing glass pipes for smoking or vaping
- Sharing notes or other snorting tubes for snorting drugs
Those infected with a BBV may show little or no symptoms of serious disease, but other infected people may be severely ill. Hepatitis C can be treated effectively, and people will go on to have a normal life expectancy. If you think you could be at risk from a hepatitis transmission don’t wait – get tested. For information on how to access a test contact the Substance Misuse Recovery Service (SMRS) at the Lerwick Health Centre, Tel: 01595 743006.