‘It was a death sentence. That’s what my doctor told me – that I probably had around 10 years to live,’ Pamela Anderson told the audience of her hepatitis C diagnosis in the late 1990s during amfAR's recent Gala in Venice, where she was presented with the Award of Courage.
‘I’m sure that coloured and corrupted my decisions. It was not fear of death, but fear of what might happen to my young children. It turned my life inside out.’
The actor first shared the news of her diagnosis publicly in 2002, although she had been diagnosed some years prior.
While Pamela was ‘hep C free’ by 2015, she has revealed that ‘it took everything I had in my bank’ to finance the treatment.
‘It wasn’t covered by insurance yet, and I felt tremendous guilt that others weren’t granted the same access.’
Here, Dr Crystal Wyllie, a GP at Asda Online Doctor, explains what hepatitis C actually is, how it’s spread, the symptoms to know – and how treatment for the virus has changed since Pamela’s diagnosis in the 1990s.
What is hepatitis C and how can you get it?
‘Hepatitis C is a viral infection spread through contact with infected blood, causing inflammation and damage to the liver,' she says. 'The more common ways this infection spreads is through sharing needles or syringes, receiving treatment in a country with poorer infection control, or using unsterilised tattoo or piercing equipment.'
Indeed, Anderson alleges that she developed hepatitis C after sharing a tattoo needle with her ex-husband Tommy Lee (something he has publicly denied).
‘Some less common ways for hepatitis C to be spread are through sharing items like razors and toothbrushes that could have blood on them, or having unprotected sex where blood is present,’ adds Dr Wyllie.
‘Also, if you received a blood transfusion in the UK before 1996, there is a small chance you could have been given infected blood; nowadays, all donated blood is rigorously screened to protect patients so the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion is extremely low.’
What is chronic hepatitis C?
You may also have heard people refer to ‘chronic hepatitis C’, which occurs when your body cannot clear the virus within the first six months of exposure. Dr Wyllie explains that, in some cases, it can cause severe liver scarring, liver failure or liver cancer.
That’s why it’s important to be aware of the potential symptoms if they occur.
‘The World Health Organisation notes that acute hepatitis C infections tend to be asymptomatic and not life-threatening, however, around 70% of people with the infection will develop chronic hepatitis C.’
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
‘Most people with hepatitis C do not experience any symptoms, and if they do, they don’t typically start for several weeks, months or even years after infection,’ says Dr Wyllie.
‘Symptoms include a high temperature, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain and jaundice,’ she notes.
‘Symptoms can worsen if the infection is not treated, and you might also develop itchy skin, anxiety and depression or cognitive problems affecting memory and concentration.’
Interestingly, Dr Wyllie adds, ‘while women generally experience the same physical symptoms as men, there is research to suggest that the disease can interact differently with the female body.’
She continues: ‘Oestrogen has been shown to play a protective role against the virus, interfering with its ability to replicate, and therefore making it easier for the body’s immune system to eradicate.'
However, she adds, ‘Women with hepatitis C may experience challenges during pregnancy or menopause, where hormonal shifts can influence the disease’s progression. While the risk of transmission from mother to child is low, it is still a possibility, so regular monitoring throughout pregnancy is essential.’
Is hepatitis C curable?
As we know, Pamela was ‘hep C free’ by 2015 – but had changed to make this possible?
‘Hepatitis C became truly curable around 2013, but when the virus was identified in 1989, there was no specific treatment,' Dr Wyllie says. 'Today, the treatment cures more than 95% of cases, and most people do not experience any side effects.'
She continues: ‘Early therapy for the disease relied on a protein called interferon, which had significant side effects, including severe depression, nausea and hair loss – and a low cure rate. Then, in 2013, the first interferon-free treatment was approved, marking an impressive milestone in public health.’
Indeed, the NHS notes that, in the UK, following a hepatitis C diagnosis, you'll usually be referred to a specialist for treatment, which involves taking antiviral tablets.
While hepatitis A and hepatitis B both have vaccines, hepatitis C currently does not.
You don’t need to have symptoms to ask for a hepatitis C test. If you think you may have been exposed at any point, you can get a free home test or contact your local sexual health clinic.
For more information and resources, visit The Hepatitis C Trust here.
Hannah Bradfield is a Senior Health and Fitness Writer for Women’s Health UK. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Hannah graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in English and Sport Science and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis. She has been covering sports, health and fitness for the last five years and has created content for outlets including BBC Sport, BBC Sounds, Runner’s World and Stylist. She especially enjoys interviewing those working within the community to improve access to sport, exercise and wellness. Hannah is a 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellow and was also named a 2022 Rising Star in Journalism by The Printing Charity. A keen runner, Hannah was firmly a sprinter growing up (also dabbling in long jump) but has since transitioned to longer-distance running. While 10K is her favoured race distance, she loves running or volunteering at parkrun every Saturday, followed, of course, by pastries. She’s always looking for fun new runs and races to do and brunch spots to try.
