I Tested Positive for Hepatitis C, Now What?

Out of all the different types of Hepatitis... HCV is the only one that affects millions of people around the world.

Chances are, you probably don't know how you contracted this deadly disease. Up to 50% of all those infected are unaware of how they became infected.

There are two categories of Hepatitis C infection: Acute Hepatitis C is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and nausea, along with marked increases in your blood test and the presence of antibodies to HCV.

The other category is: Chronic Hepatitis C. It is diagnosed when anti-HCV is present and serum aminotransferase levels remain elevated for more than 6 months. Symptoms are usually higher and happen more often.

There are currently two different types of therapy for chronic hepatitis C: Monotherapy (or only using one medication) with alpha interferon.

Or a combination therapy with alpha interferon and ribavirin.

Combination therapy usually is more effective. Combination treatment is more expensive and is associated with more side effects than monotherapy, but, in most situations, it is preferable.

Your success with the current drug treatments depend on your genotype. Hepatitis C has 11 genotypes with several subtypes, a blood test will help determine what your genotype is and if your group is successfully treated or part of the non-responders group.

As a last resort, liver transplants may be an option.

There is a strict criteria you must meet before you are able to get these types of treatments. It is important that you see your doctor regularly and have your enzyme levels tested regularly to determine what course you should proceed with.

Since it has been determined that most general practitioners are clueless about the details of Hepatitis C, it is recommended that you seek treatment from a hepatoligist or a GI who specializes in Hepatitis.

For a list of some Hepatitis specialist Go to:

http://hepatitis-central.com/hcv/drs/toc...

If you are female and have given birth to children, you should have your children tested as a precaution. Experts believe the chance of transmission between mother and child is between .05% - 5% (very rare)

Your sexual partners should be tested. Although there is no conclusive evidence that Hepatitis C is transmitted through sexual contact. Since this is a blood borne disease, you are more likely to pass this disease through the sharing of razors or toothbrushes. Still your family members should be tested.

When you go to the specialist, you should expect them to take a serious of tests.

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