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Hepatitis C
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Common Questions
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1. If the disease is very mild, why should I be tested?
2. Are there other tests used to follow the disease?
3. Can I be vaccinated against HCV?
4. Is there treatment for HCV?
5. Can I test myself for the virus at home?
6. How can I tell if I can spread the infection to others?
1. If the disease is very mild, why should I be tested?
Hepatitis C often leads to chronic hepatitis, which can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Early detection of the virus can alert your doctor to follow your liver function more closely than usual and to consider treating you if you are chronically infected.
2. Are there other tests used to follow the disease?
Yes. Liver tests, such as ALT and AST, are used to indicate ongoing liver injury. Persons who are still infected with HCV but always have normal AST and ALT probably have very mild liver disease and may not need treatment. Other liver tests, such as albumin, prothrombin time, and bilirubin can also be used; they are typically normal unless the person has developed cirrhosis. Sometimes a liver biopsy may be performed to determine how severe the liver damage is.
3. Can I be vaccinated against HCV?
No. Currently, there is no vaccine available. Developing one has been difficult because the virus has several different molecular configurations, which are constantly changing.
4. Is there treatment for HCV?
Yes, there are currently a few drugs that can be used to treat HCV infection. Most commonly, a combination of two drugs (pegylated interferon and ribavirin) is used. New drugs to treat HCV are being tested currently. Depending on your age, gender, the type and viral load of HCV you have and how much damage has occurred to your liver, your likelihood of cure from HCV may range from very low to as high as 80%.
5. Can I test myself for the virus at home?
There is an FDA-approved test kit available for collecting samples to send to a laboratory for testing. Confidential test results are provided over the telephone. You cannot actually perform the test yourself at home.
6. How can I tell if I can spread the infection to others?
If a person has detectable HCV RNA in their blood, they have the potential to spread the disease to other people. Hepatitis C is spread by exposure to contaminated blood. Some mechanisms of exposure include the sharing of needles or other 'works' used in consuming drugs such as cocaine or heroin; use of contaminated equipment for activities such as body piercing and tattooing; occupational exposure of healthcare workers to used needles or other sharp objects; through sexual activity that results in tissue tears; from mother to baby during childbirth; or from cuts sustained during athletic or other activity.
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This article was last reviewed on
December 16, 2005.
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