Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
Hepatitis C is the most common liver disease currently seen in clinical practice.
The incubation period, from the time of exposure to the virus until the onset of the disease, is one to six months.
Early symptoms include poor appetite, lack of interest in food, nausea, aching muscles and joints, and light fever.
Some people experience only mild symptoms such as tiredness, periodical pressure below the right ribs caused by the enlarging liver, and aching muscles and joints.
Only 1 in 10 patients with acute Hepatitis has symptoms.
The remaining nine have no symptoms whatsoever.
In 8 out of 10 patients, the infection becomes chronic.
Many patients remain asymptomatic until decompensation occurs.
Lack of symptoms and minor liver enzyme elevations are typical of HCV infection and cannot be taken as evidence of lack of progression.
HCV RNA testing confirms the diagnosis.
Liver biopsy helps assess disease activity and stage the severity of fibrosis and is recommended for most patients with hepatitis C.
Once this information is obtained, a rational program for treatment and monitoring can be planned.
Patients with newly discovered hepatitis C infection require thorough education about the disease's natural history, transmission, interaction with alcohol, and treatment.
In many cases, referral to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist may be the appropriate way to ensure necessary instruction and availability of the latest treatment options.
courtesy of Janis & Friends
The incubation period, from the time of exposure to the virus until the onset of the disease, is one to six months.
Early symptoms include poor appetite, lack of interest in food, nausea, aching muscles and joints, and light fever.
Some people experience only mild symptoms such as tiredness, periodical pressure below the right ribs caused by the enlarging liver, and aching muscles and joints.
Only 1 in 10 patients with acute Hepatitis has symptoms.
The remaining nine have no symptoms whatsoever.
In 8 out of 10 patients, the infection becomes chronic.
Many patients remain asymptomatic until decompensation occurs.
Lack of symptoms and minor liver enzyme elevations are typical of HCV infection and cannot be taken as evidence of lack of progression.
HCV RNA testing confirms the diagnosis.
Liver biopsy helps assess disease activity and stage the severity of fibrosis and is recommended for most patients with hepatitis C.
Once this information is obtained, a rational program for treatment and monitoring can be planned.
Patients with newly discovered hepatitis C infection require thorough education about the disease's natural history, transmission, interaction with alcohol, and treatment.
In many cases, referral to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist may be the appropriate way to ensure necessary instruction and availability of the latest treatment options.
courtesy of Janis & Friends
HCV RNA testing confirms the diagnosis
When I read these two it made me realize how important Hepatitis C Awareness is. I think if someone is tested for something else and has a CBC done and the labs show a rise in your enzymes a doctor should automatically have the HCV test done to rule hepatitis out.
I know if hepatitis
Awareness was there years ago and now for that matter that I wouldn't be in the condition I am.
I just wish there was more awareness to medical professionals that more than 1 in 10 people with acute, HAVE symptoms.
does that make sense? lol