Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare: Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted in Finland through injection drug use
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has published new information on the situation regarding hepatitis C infections in Finland. According to the agency, the majority of hepatitis C cases identified in our country are linked to the use of intravenous drugs.
According to the report, infections spread particularly when drug users share injection equipment, such as needles and syringes. Although hepatitis C is a serious liver disease, many who are infected may not necessarily know they are carriers of the infection, as the disease can remain asymptomatic for a long time.
THL emphasizes that the availability of clean injection equipment and the services provided by health counseling centers play a key role in preventing infections. These services help reduce the harms associated with drug use and, when necessary, guide users into treatment.
In Finland, hepatitis C infection is now highly treatable with new medications that cure most patients. According to experts, it is important that those infected seek testing and treatment as early as possible so that serious health problems can be avoided.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and strive to develop methods to further reduce infections. The goal is to improve the health of people who use drugs and to reduce the spread of blood-borne diseases in society.