Students warned over Hep C risk
Updated on 01 October 2007
Half of Scottish university students are unwittingly exposing themselves to the risk of the deadly hepatitis C virus, according to new research.
Students are endangering their health by sharing banknotes or straws when snorting drugs, getting a tattoo or piercing and sharing razors and toothbrushes, a new study claims.
The survey, conducted during fresher's week at Edinburgh University, also found that around two thirds of students knew little about hepatitis C and its symptoms, in contrast to other infectious diseases such as HIV and Aids.
Charles Gore, chief executive of the Hepatitis C Trust, said: "These findings are shocking, even if not completely unexpected.
"Young people are putting themselves at risk and they seem completely unaware of the dangers associated with their behaviour."
The disease, which affects more than 50,000 people in Scotland, attacks the liver and leads to cirrhosis, cancer and liver failure.
Recent evidence shows that deaths from liver disease are increasing more in Scotland than any other country in Europe.
Dr Nicola Rowan, of the UK Hepatitis C Resource Centre, said: "The situation with hepatitis C in Scotland is serious and is likely to worsen if the number of people infected continues to outweigh the number of patients cured.
"Whilst healthcare professionals and policy makers have a role to play in reducing this burden, individuals can also make a difference by protecting themselves."
As part of World Hepatitis Awareness Day, the trust is promoting its "What Not to Share" campaign.
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