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Hepatitis C

 

How serious is it?

Hepatitis C appears to be a major cause of liver disease. But as the identification of the virus is very recent, estimates of this vary.

For most people, Hepatitis C causes no clinical problems. But liver cancer is a risk for some patients with cirrhosis and these people will need careful long-term screening.

Cirrhosis is the result of severe and continuous liver damage.

Can it be prevented?

At the moment there is no vaccination against Hepatitis C, because the virus comes in many forms and has the ability to change form.

To avoid infecting others, patients should:

  • Clean up their blood with household bleach and cover the wound with a sticking plaster
  • Avoid unprotected sex
  • Not play contact sports
  • Not donate blood
  • Not share needles razors, scissors or toothbrushes

How is it treated?

Up to half of patients make a complete recovery without treatment. Treatment may be considered for patients who have Hepatitis C for more than six months, especially to check for potential liver damage.

Most patients receive injections of interferon alpha. Patients are taught to inject themselves. Treatment is given three times a week for between two and six months.

Find out what to do if you think you have caught Hepatitis. You can also find information on healthcare providers in the Greenwich borough.

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