Hepatitis C

Categories: Health | Diseases
    • Cause: Hepatitis C Virus
    • Infects 150-200 million worldwide
    • Infects 35% of people with HIV
    • 1 in 5 develop cirrhosis
    • 1 in 20 develop liver cancer
  • Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. There are six known hepatitis viruses. While the disease is often asymptomatic, hepatitis C can cause liver inflammation. Later complications of hepatitis C include cirrhosis and liver cancerhttp://hepatitis.about.com/od/treatment/f/Peginterferon.htm
  • United States Statistics

    1. Most common blood-born infection
    2. Affects 1.3% of population
    3. New cases: 35,000-180,000 per year
    4. Deaths: 10,000-20,000 per year
    5. Infects 60-80% of IV drug users
    6. Main reason for liver transplant
    7. 16th leading cause of premature death
  • Latest Research

    Scientists have developed a novel blood test which may mean a major breakthrough in the battle against Hepatitis C. The test is just as sensitive as current tests but much cheaper.Science Daily: Novel Economical Blood Test For Hepatitis C (February 18, 2009)

  • Disclaimer

    The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Hepatitis C, please consult your doctor.
  • Treatments being used

    Hepatitis C is not curable but there are treatments that can reduce risk of damaging you health further. Some of the best treatment comes from being informed what Hepatitis C is, how it effects you and the damages it causes.

    If you have Hepatitis C the first step is to avoid drinking of alcohol, taking of drugs (even prescribed drugs should be authorized by your doctor before continuing their use. Next step is a liver biopsy. This will help determine the amount of damage already done to your liver and what forms of further treatments can be done.http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/hepc-guide/hepatitis-c-treatment-overview

    Currently treatment methods involve the use of Peginterferon along with Ribavirin. Peginterferon is a weekly shot. Ribavirin is a pill taken 2 times a day.

    Like most medications Peginterferon and Ribavirin do have side effects.ref>http://hepatitis.about.com/od/treatment/f/Peginterferon.htm</ref>

  • Peginterferon side effects

  • Ribivirin Side Effects

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