New study reveals one in 4 young adults could be at risk of hepatitis due to common holiday habit

Hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers returning home may unknowingly have the deadly virus hepatitis C if they have had a tattoo or piercing abroad, a new study suggests.

Passed via blood-to-blood contact, the virus can spread in tattoo or piercing parlours when equipment is not sterilised properly.

This risk is especially heightened in countries where infection control standards may differ from those in the UK. 

Now, experts are issuing fresh warnings to young Brits, as one in four people aged 16 to 34 in England have had a tattoo overseas or know someone who has, according to a new survey of more than 2,000 people.  

Hepatitis C, which can cause life-threatening liver damage, is often symptomless for years, and it's estimated that 62,000 people in England are unknowingly living with the virus. 

Hepatitis C (pictured) is often symptomless for years and in some cases decades, with 62,000 people in England estimated to be unknowingly living with the virus

The virus, which is spread via blood-to-blood contact, can be spread in tattoo or piercing parlours when equipment is not sterilised properly, or appropriate hygiene measures are not followed

Muscle aches, a high temperature, feeling tired, a loss of appetite and a stomach ache are all tell-tale signs of the virus, but it is often mistaken for flu or other common infections.

If hepatitis C is left untreated it can lead to life-threatening conditions like liver cancer or liver failure. 

But with modern treatments more than 90 per cent of people with hepatitis C may be cured, according to the NHS. 

One famous sufferer is model and Baywatch star Pamela Anderson, 57, who, in 2002, revealed she'd contracted the virus and was told she'd die within a decade. 

But in 2015, after undergoing drug treatment, she learnt she had been cured. 

Pamela Anderson, 57  revealed she'd contracted the virus and was told she'd die within a decade.

Alarmingly, over half of 16 to 34-year-olds (53.5 per cent) in England admit to not knowing much about hepatitis C, according to the survey by sexual health testing company Preventx. 

It also found 80 per cent of those surveyed did not realise it can be contracted when getting a tattoo or piercing. 

One in three people said they think 'it's a laugh' when someone gets a tattoo overseas, and would encourage a friend to get one while abroad. 

Two in five people surveyed said they knew someone who had got a drunken tattoo on holiday. 

Although injecting drug use remains the biggest risk for acquiring hepatitis C, data shows parts of Africa, central, southern and eastern Asia, and eastern Europe are areas of greatest concern for increased hepatitis C risk.

Health experts are calling on anyone who may have been exposed to the virus to take advantage of a new at-home testing service provided by the NHS. 

The service is a collaboration between NHS England, Preventx and the Hepatitis C Trust. To date, over 60,000 people have ordered a test via the service.

Rachel Halford, CEO of The Hepatitis C Trust, said: 'Although someone may not have experienced any noticeable symptoms, hepatitis C can be like a ticking time bomb in the body, causing liver damage for years without being detected.

'The virus is spread via blood-to-blood contact which means that if tattooing or piercing equipment has not been properly sterilised, the virus can be passed on between customers.'

She is urging people who have ever had a tattoo or piercings abroad to order a test.  

She added: 'The test is free, confidential and you will have your results back within a few days. If the result is negative, it will give you peace of mind. If the result is positive, hepatitis C can be easily treated and cured.'

Dr Vanessa Apea, medical director at Preventx and NHS consultant said: 'Many people are unaware that hepatitis C can be acquired through tattoos or piercings if it is done in unsterile settings. 

'This virus can remain undetected for years, but it is entirely curable through a simple course of tablets, particularly if detected early. I encourage anyone who is worried about their hepatitis C risk to get tested.'

The free test involves a finger prick and the collection of a small blood sample, which is sent to a lab for analysis. 

Those who test positive will be contacted and connected to appropriate treatment options.