Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare: Hepatitis C in Finland is primarily linked to injection drug use
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has released new information on the spread of hepatitis C in Finland. According to recent studies, the majority of infections are still linked to injection drug use.
Hepatitis C is a viral liver disease that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. In Finland, the spread of the virus has been closely monitored in order to reduce infections more effectively.
According to THL, injection drug use is the most significant route of transmission, but authorities remind the public that it is possible to contract the virus in other ways as well. For example, poorly sterilized equipment used for tattoos or piercings can pose a risk, although these cases are significantly rarer.
Treatment for the disease has advanced significantly in recent years. Current medical treatments are highly effective and can cure most patients. THL emphasizes that early diagnosis and seeking treatment are key to avoiding serious long-term complications.
Authorities continue their work to prevent infections and improve health services. The goal is to reduce the prevalence of hepatitis C in Finland by offering low-threshold testing and counseling to those population groups at the highest risk of infection.