featured-image

THOUSANDS of Brits could have been infected in the NHS blood scandal and still not know, experts warn. More than 30,000 people contracted deadly viruses while they were receiving care in the 1970s and 80s - but fears are growing that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Non-profit organisations say they are now helping two people every month who have only just learned they were infected with HIV and/or hepatitis C decades ago.

And they estimate that around 2,000 are unknowingly living with hepatitis C , which can be incredibly serious if not treated. Separate figures, calculated by BBC Investigation , suggest the number sits around 1,750. Rachel Halford, CEO of the Hepatitis C Trust, described the situation as "gravely concerning".



She added: "Of those who had blood transfusions before September 1991, a very small percentage of these will be walking around with hepatitis C and not know it. "If left untreated, hepatitis C is a ticking time bomb." She and other health officials are now urging anyone who had a transfusion before 1991 to get tested.

By The Sun’s GP Dr Zoe Williams ANYONE who received a blood transfusion, or other blood products, between 1970 and 1991 in the UK could be at risk and should get tested. Especially at risk are haemophiliacs and those with similar disorders who have a rare genetic condition which means their blood does not clot properly – and means they often require treatment with blood products, starting in childhood. Hepatitis C is curable and 9.

Back to Health Page