Module 10: Understanding Hepatitis C
Completion requirements
Module 10: Understanding Hepatitis C
Module 10: Understanding Hepatitis C, Screen 11 of 11
Living with Hepatitis C
For most people, being infected with hepatitis C results in mild symptoms. Some people are infected for 20 years without experiencing any symptoms.
For people who need treatment, there are a number of medications that have a high rate of cure for hepatitis C. These are often a combination of interferon injections and ribavirin pills. But many new treatments have recently been approved, or are in the works, including those that use protease inhibitors and polymerase inhibitors.
Not everyone needs treatment.In the past, hepatitis C treatments were difficult to tolerate, but new drugs have the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for interferon, which may lead to fewer side effects. The decision about whether or not to treat chronic HCV should be made by the doctor and the patient.
Living with Hepatitis C
For most people, being infected with hepatitis C results in mild symptoms. Some people are infected for 20 years without experiencing any symptoms.
For people who need treatment, there are a number of medications that have a high rate of cure for hepatitis C. These are often a combination of interferon injections and ribavirin pills. But many new treatments have recently been approved, or are in the works, including those that use protease inhibitors and polymerase inhibitors.
Not everyone needs treatment.In the past, hepatitis C treatments were difficult to tolerate, but new drugs have the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for interferon, which may lead to fewer side effects. The decision about whether or not to treat chronic HCV should be made by the doctor and the patient.
Implementation of the Affordable Care Act in California has greatly increased opportunities for health care coverage for people living with "pre-existing conditions" like viral hepatitis. Uninsured or underinsured people should be referred to a local enrollment counselor, who can help them follow up on coverage options.
Unfortunately, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for coverage expansion through the Affordable Care Act, and safety net services are still needed. Community health centers and other safety net programs may also be available. To find a community health center in your area, visit http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/widgets/
Finally, the California Hepatitis Alliance (CalHEP) maintains an online viral hepatitis services referral guide, which includes information on where to access hepatitis A and B vaccination; hepatitis C antibody testing; RNA testing and linkages to care; syringe exchange programs; and hepatitis C support groups. Download the Viral Hepatitis Services Referral Guide.
Image from HCV Coalition for the Cure
Image from HCV Coalition for the Cure