*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Support For People Who May Have Been Affected By Infected Blood

If you had a blood transfusion or blood products before 1996, there's a chance you may have been given infected blood. This could mean you were infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV.

Today, all blood donated in the UK is screened using very rigorous safety standards and testing to protect both donors and patients.

Since screening was introduced, the risk of getting an infection from a blood transfusion or blood products is very low.

NHS Blood and Transplant have more information about the infected blood inquiry

If you had a blood transfusion or blood products before 1996 and you've not been tested for infection, contact your GP surgery to discuss any tests you may need.

You can also get a free home test for hepatitis C.

Infected Blood Inquiry

Find out more about the Infected Blood Inquiry, including confidential support services, from the Infected Blood Inquiry website.

England Infected Blood Support Scheme

If you or a member of your family have been affected by treatment from infected blood, you may be able to get financial support from the England Infected Blood Support Scheme.

The scheme can help provide funding for:

private counselling and talking therapy for people and their families affected by infected blood and blood products
the cost of certain essential health-related items or services (discretionary support)

Find out more about the England Infected Blood Support Scheme from the NHS Business Services Authority.

Support in other parts of the UK

There are different schemes to support those affected by treatment from infected blood for Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland:

Find out more

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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