Is Hep C Curable? – Sept. 21, 2020
At One Community Health in Sacramento, we specialize in Hepatitis C treatment. We understand this can be a scary diagnosis and you might be wondering if hep C is curable. If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, let our team of compassionate experts help put your mind at ease.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis refers to a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C is a viral infection spread through contaminated blood. It causes liver inflammation and potentially serious liver damage. Without adequate treatment, chronic hepatitis C infections can lead to serious complications, including liver disease, liver scarring, and liver cancer. About half of people with HCV are unaware that they are infected, as symptoms can sometimes take years or decades to show up. Common symptoms of chronic hep c include:
- Fatigue
- Sore or achy muscles
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine
- Leg swelling
- Jaundice
- Ascites
- Spider angiomas
- Hepatic encephalopathy
Is Hep C Curable?
Yes. The good news is that chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is usually curable with oral medications taken every day. Antiviral drugs can cure more than 90 percent of people with chronic hepatitis C after 12 weeks of treatment.
If severe complications have occurred from chronic hepatitis C, a liver transplant may be necessary. This alone does not cure the infection, as it commonly recurs after transplantation—but in conjunction with antiviral medications, it can be curative.
The key to effective treatment is early diagnosis. Give us a call if you suspect they may have come into contact with the virus, or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of hepatitis C.
Management of Hep C
Following these tips can help you manage your symptoms:
- Avoid substances that are harmful to the liver, such as alcohol and some medicines and supplements
- Follow your doctor’s treatment exactly
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Manage any other health conditions
Hep C Prevention
Hepatitis C can easily be prevented by:
- Avoiding illicit, injected drugs and seeking help if you use them.
- Choosing reputable piercing and tattoo shops that use sterile equipment.
- Practicing safe sex.
Is there a Hep C Vaccine?
There currently isn’t a vaccine available for hepatitis C, although there is a vaccine for hepatitis A and B combined. Researchers have been working for 25 years to develop an effective vaccine for hepatitis C. While some of the vaccines being tested show promise, they will have to undergo much more testing before they are available to the public.
Hep C Treatment in Sacramento
If you are looking for quality, affordable hep C treatment in Sacramento, our team of highly-experienced, compassionate professionals at One Community Health looks forward to partnering with you. We want to help you live a healthy and productive life by focusing on your unique needs, regardless of your ability to pay.
