Hepatitis C New Treatments Service in Florida

Hepatitis C is a widespread disease that affects millions of people worldwide. According to a study from 2022 conducted by the CDC, there were 93,805 new cases of chronic hepatitis C in the United States alone. The CDC also stated that it’s estimated that from 2017 to 2020, between 2.7 million and 4 million people in the United States had hepatitis C. This ailment can cause rampant damage to the liver.

If you’ve been diagnosed with hep c, you probably have many questions. What type of treatment does this entail? Is it curable? Is hep c a chronic illness? How did I get hepatitis c?

Luckily, there is hope. There are many novel treatments for hepatitis c. Treatment for this condition has been developed to be easier to tolerate and more effective than previous treatment options. With the help of your physician, you will be able to establish a treatment plan that works for you. But first, let’s talk about the basics of hepatitis c.

What is Hepatitis C?

There are several forms of hepatitis, which is a term for a specific virus that attacks and affects the liver. All these forms of hepatitis are damaging to the liver, but not all of them are treated the same way, nor do they have similar origins. Here is a breakdown of the different types of hepatitis.

Hepatitis A
This form of hepatitis is spread through ingesting contaminated foods or through a fecal/oral route. It can cause fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain. Most individuals recover from hepatitis A completely.
Hepatitis B
Transmitted through blood or from mother to child at birth, the symptoms of hepatitis b can be severe, like hepatitis A, or the disease can be asymptomatic. There is a vaccine available, but ongoing treatment is required after diagnosis.
Hepatitis C
Transmitted through blood contact or sexual contact, this form of hepatitis is usually asymptomatic. The most common way to spread hepatitis C is through the sharing of everyday household items like toothbrushes and razors. Chronic infection can lead to liver damage.
Hepatitis D
This form of hepatitis can only affect those who have hepatitis B. The symptoms are very similar to hepatitis B but can cause more rapid progression and increased liver damage.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a widespread form of hepatitis among individuals in the United States. There are two types of hepatitis C.

Acute Hepatitis C
This type of hepatitis C is an infection that usually goes away over some time. However, acute hepatitis C usually leads to chronic hepatitis C.
Chronic Hepatitis C
This type of infection is long-lasting and requires treatment. Otherwise, it can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, or worse.

Hepatitis C Vaccine

There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. However, there are preventive measures one can take. Some preventions for HCV include:

Avoid sharing personal items
Using gloves when treating patients or coming into contact with blood or other body fluids.

How is Hepatitis-C Transmitted?

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood contact or unsafe sexual practices. Some risk factors for contracting hepatitis C include:

Contact with blood (a concern for healthcare workers) or other bodily fluids
Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes
Unprotected sex

Is there a Cure for Hepatitis-C?

Although there is no “cure” for HCV that is effective in 100% of individuals, there are several treatment options for HCV. The treatment for HCV has evolved in recent history. Traditional treatments were hard to handle and challenging. Some of the side effects of conventional HCV were fatigue, anxiety, and anemia.

However, there are several new treatment options for hepatitis C. Here are some of the latest treatments for HCV and how they can change the look of hepatitis C treatment.

EPCLUSA
This innovative treatment is relatively new and highly effective. It has revolutionized the way that HCV is treated. This drug has a 98% rate of cure for hepatitis C. It requires no injections; instead, it is a daily pill that is taken. It is recommended as a drug that has very few side effects.
Mavyret
This drug is a combination of two other medications, glecaprevir and pibrentasvir. It cures hepatitis C for most individuals and requires an eight-week treatment.
Vosevi
This medication is a combination of 3 other drugs. It is the medications sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir. Side effects may include diarrhea and nausea, but it is effective in treating hepatitis C. This drug is typically given when other medications have failed.

Conclusion

If you are in a high-risk category for hepatitis C, it is essential to get tested. The test process is through a rapid test, not dissimilar to HIV testing. A test will help you get the treatment you need. Your doctor can recommend a treatment protocol. The treatment of hepatitis C has come a long way in the past several years. This disease that was previously a severe diagnosis has now become a highly treatable diagnosis, with a nearly 100% cure rate. Knowing that there are new, easily tolerated treatments out there, it should be apparent that the time to seek treatment is now. If you are in a high-risk category or if you think you may be at risk for hepatitis C, please get in touch with your local clinic and get tested. There, you can find treatment solutions to fit your needs and lifestyle. In the central Florida coast area, the solution is found at Brevard Health Alliance.

Brevard Health Alliance

When it’s time to seek treatment for hepatitis c, visit Brevard Health Alliance. We offer rapid testing and multiple treatment protocols. We provide comprehensive care to our patients of all ages. From women’s health to pediatric care to dental care and behavioral health, we provide the treatment you need to keep you and your family healthy. From Cocoa Beach to Malabar, we have healthcare locations that can meet your health needs. Visit our website for more information, or click here to become a patient.