A sexual health clinic can test you for this infection. You can also get tested for Hepatitis C at your GP or a drug treatment service. This involves a simple blood test.
Test results will start to become positive 6 to 10 weeks after exposure. However, tests for Hepatitis C often can't distinguish between recent and previous infection.
Antiviral medication usually acts to prevent a virus from multiplying.
No.
They will be able to tell if you have symptoms of the infection but not if you don’t. However it is important that you tell your partner(s) since you may pass or have passed the infection to them. They may also be the source of the infection but be unaware.
Please note Sexual Health Dorset will be closed on Friday 3 April 2026 and Monday 6 April 2026 for the Easter Bank Holidays.
We will reopen on Tuesday 7 April 2026.
If you have an urgent enquiry, call NHS 111 or attend your local Emergency Department.
