Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Essentially, hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver that’s well-known for its silent progression, as many people experience little to no symptoms during the first few decades after infection.
According to Dr Gottfried Hirnschall, director of the Global Hepatitis Programme, hepatitis C and B account for about 80% of all liver cancer deaths, killing almost 1.4 million people globally every year, much more than tuberculosis or HIV.
The first 6 months after infection are known as the acute stage of hepatitis C. Just 25-33% of people experience any symptoms on this stage of the disease, and usually these symptoms are mild and vague, like fever, fatigue, changes in appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain.
In 20-40% of cases, the patient’s immune system manages to get rid of the virus on this stage of the disease—then, no treatment is needed. However, if this doesn’t happen, chronic hepatitis C develops.
Spontaneous resolve of the disease is extremely rare in chronic hepatitis C, although still possible as reported by several studies. In the vast majority of cases, treatment is required to prevent progressive liver damage, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (cancer).
Luckily, hepatitis C is no longer considered an incurable disease. Treatment with ribavirin and interferon were effective in 30-60% cases of the disease, but modern medications managed to boost these numbers even higher. Modern antiviral drugs are able to eradicate the hepatitis C infection in up to 97% of the cases!
In other words, although hepatitis C still is a dangerous condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly, it is no reason for despair. If adequate treatment is started as soon as possible, it is possible to cure the disease or at least avoid severe complications like liver cirrhosis and cancer.
Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with hepatitis C: every day counts!
Treat & Beat. We are here to help you! 💪
Read more:
https://infectionsmanaged.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hepatitis-c/
https://infectionsmanaged.org/what-are-the-symptoms-of-hepatitis-c/