According to the CDC, Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver. It results from infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis C can be either “acute” or “chronic.”
Types of HCV
Acute Hepatitis C virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis C virus. For most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection.
Chronic Hepatitis C virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis C virus remains in a person’s body. Hepatitis C virus infection can last a lifetime and lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer.
Treatment
As stated by the NHF, testing is recommended for high-risk groups, according to the CDC. It includes screening tests for antibody to HCV. If anti-HCV antibody is detected, other tests can then determine the amount of virus in the bloodstream and the genotype, or strain, of the virus. There are at least six genotypes, with HCV 1 being the most common, and 50 subtypes. The standard of care for HCV is a weekly injection of pegylated interferon and ribavirin, a pill taken twice daily, for up to 48 weeks. However, studies have shown that only 50% of patients with HCV 1 who are on the regimen clear the virus,achieving sustained virological response (SVR), an indicator that the person is cured. Many people have to stop treatment early because the side effects are so severe.
Here at HF Healthcare, we provide products to help treat HCV and we can create a manageable care plan that works in concert with your physician and insurance payer. We are here to guide you to a healthy future! You can find more information about our services here.