Acute hepatitis C occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C can be a short-term illness, but for most people, acute infection leads to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C can be a lifelong infection if left untreated .
Can hep C be cured completely?
Years ago, hep C treatments took a long time and required injections. Today's treatments are all oral and can be completed in as few as 8–24 weeks . Additionally, many of today's treatments have high cure rates of 95% or higher.
Does Hep C ever go away?
Most people who are infected with hepatitis C don't experience any symptoms for years. However, hepatitis C usually is a chronic illness (which means it doesn't go away on its own) .
Can hep C go away and come back?
It's possible , but rare, for hepatitis C infection to reappear after apparently successful treatment. Relapses usually occur in the first few months after blood testing to confirm that the virus is no longer detectable. Sometimes, however, a relapse becomes evident much later.
Can you live a long life with hep C?
The prognosis of chronic HCV is typically very good, and as treatment continues to improve, it will only get better. Most people with chronic HCV can live a normal life , providing that doctors are able to diagnose it before any liver damage or other complications occur.
Can the liver repair itself after hepatitis?
Barring complications, the liver can repair itself completely and, within a month, the patient will show no signs of damage. However, sometimes the liver gets overwhelmed and can't repair itself completely, especially if it's still under attack from a virus, drug, or alcohol.
Can you have hep C for 40 years and not know it?
When you have hepatitis C, it's possible to go for years without knowing you're infected . If you feel fine, does that mean you don't need to treat the infection? It's important to understand how the virus works. After you're infected, chronic hepatitis C may silently hurt your body.
How do you feel after Hep C treatment?
Patient -reported outcomes such as fatigue, vitality and mental health improve substantially in the two years following hepatitis C cure for people with cirrhosis, but people with cirrhosis are less likely than others to experience rapid resolution of severe fatigue after successful hepatitis C treatment, according to ...
How long can you have Hep C without knowing?
Some people may develop hepatitis C symptoms within two weeks of infection. Others might experience a longer delay before noticing symptoms. It could take from 6 months to 10 years or more before someone with the virus becomes aware of any symptoms.
How long does it take Hep C to damage liver?
On average it takes about twenty years for significant liver scarring to develop. The symptoms experienced and the damage done to the liver vary dramatically from person to person. Some people will have few, if any, symptoms for many years.
How do you feel when you have hep C?
Acute hepatitis C usually goes undiagnosed because it rarely causes symptoms. When signs and symptoms are present, they may include jaundice , along with fatigue, nausea, fever and muscle aches. Acute symptoms appear one to three months after exposure to the virus and last two weeks to three months.
What is a hep C flare up?
The natural history of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) may include the development of a spontaneous hepatic flare, i.e., an acute exacerbation of CHC (ae-CHC), characterized by a substantial increase in the serum aminotransferase levels (usually 5 times or more the baseline values)[ 39-43], a frequent deterioration in liver ...
When should you go to hospital with hep C?
Go to the ER, or call 911 and tell them you have cirrhosis if you have these symptoms: Vomiting blood . Black, tarry stools . Confused and sleepy .
What are signs that your liver is struggling?
- Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain and swelling.
- Swelling in the legs and ankles.
- Itchy skin.
- Dark urine color.
- Pale stool color.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Nausea or vomiting.
How can I detox my liver in one day?
- Flush out with plenty of water intake: Water is the best flushing agent. ...
- Get regular exercise: Exercise helps to burn extra calories that reduce your risk of diabetes, excess weight, high blood pressure, and high blood fat.
