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Living with Hepatitis C


Often people become aware that they are infected with hepatitis C through a blood test during routine screening or at the time of blood donation. The confirmation of an infection can be difficult to cope with when expected, and can be quite devastating under such circumstances. To relieve some of the anxiety and make things easier, here are some suggestions for those living with Hepatitis C:

  • In most cases, the hepatitis C infection does not disappear and in such cases, one has no option but to learn to live with it. In most individuals, 20 to 40 years may go by without any serious illness or liver damage.
  • Go for regular screening so that any early signs of trouble can be detected. Your doctor will also keep you updated about new treatments.
  • Since the hepatitis C virus is spread through the blood, it is important to cover open cuts and wounds with bandages. Avoid sharing your toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers or any instrument that has even a trace of blood on it. This also includes menstrual blood.
  • The hepatitis C virus affects the liver and thus it is important to avoid the intake of alcohol. In addition, alcohol should never be mixed with drugs such as headache or cold medications. This can severely damage the liver and weaken it further. Therefore it is best to consult your doctor before taking any medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter.
  • Research has indicated that the sexual transmission of the hepatitis C virus is low between monogamous couples. Those with multiple sexual partners or new sexual partners should make use of latex condoms. It is important to inform partners that you have the hepatitis C virus. Also, the levels of the virus in the blood tend to vary in response to treatment and this can make the carrier more infectious during certain times.
  • Keep yourself educated about new research and information about the disease and its treatment.

Prevention
Hepatitis C
References
  1. Alajos Pár, László Telegdy, Lajos Dalmi, Eva Müller, Hungarian Viral Hepatitis Treatment Study Group, Therapy for chronic hepatitis C, Journal of Physiology-Paris, Volume 95, Issues 1–6, January–December 2001, Pages 399-405, ISSN 0928-4257, 10.1016/S0928-4257(01)00054-7.
  2. Jacqueline Rhoads, Natural History and Epidemiology of Hepatitis C, Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS care, Volume 14, Issue 5, Supplement, September–October 2003, Pages 18S-25S, ISSN 1055-3290, 10.1177/1055329003254854.
  3. Samer S. El-Kamary, Michelle D. Shardell, Mohamed Abdel-Hamid, Soheir Ismail, Mohamed El-Ateek, Mohamed Metwally, Nabiel Mikhail, Mohamed Hashem, Amr Mousa, Amr Aboul-Fotouh, Mohamed El-Kassas, Gamal Esmat, G. Thomas Strickland, A randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of silymarin on symptoms, signs and biomarkers of acute hepatitis, Phytomedicine, Volume 16, Issue 5, May 2009, Pages 391-400, ISSN 0944-7113, 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.02.002.