Smoking and stress

Smoking is not good for your health, especially if you are HIV positive.

There is some weak data to suggest that smoking may encourage the progression of HCV, but most people in the studies also drank alcohol. 

Stopping smoking is not easy. While this may be an important long-term goal, you can chose when to do this. For example, it is fine to wait until after HCV treatment.

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 symptoms 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

Last updated: 17 August 2017.