§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has evaluated on the impact of infection with hepatitis C on people's lives. [33220]
§ Ms JowellWe are not aware of any studies on the overall impact of infection with hepatitis C on individuals' lives.
Reports on clinical aspects of hepatitis C infection indicate that the natural history varies widely. About 20 per cent. of those infected may recover completely; the others develop chronic infection. Some of those with chronic infection are asymptomatic and some experience vague symptoms such as fatigue. Some of those with chronic hepatitis C will progress to severe liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but these complications may take 20 to 30 years to develop.
In February 1996, the Haemophilia Society produced an unpublished report relating the experiences of people with haemophilia who are infected with hepatitis C. Copies of this report are available from the Haemophilia Society.