Smoking and stress

Smoking is not good for your health. There is some weak data to suggest that smoking may encourage the progression of hepatitis C, but most people in the studies also drank alcohol.

Some Primary Care Trusts run quit smoking programmes that incorporate group therapy.

Stopping smoking is not easy, and probably not recommended during HCV treatment, if you feel it gives you support.

While quitting may be an important goal in the long-term, it may not be your most important short-term priority.

Many of the symptoms of HCV are very similar to those of stress and one can enhance the other.

More detailed information about recognising the sypmtoms of stress and reducing stress is included on the Hepatitis C Trust website.

Support organisations

Quit is a UK charity that provides assistance to those who wish to quit smoking. 0800 002200 www.quit.org.uk

Hepatitis C Trust has information on stress and managing your lifestyle. 0845 2234424 www.hepctrust.org.uk