Hepatitis C Treatment: Understanding Options and Finding Care

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes liver inflammation and is spread by contact with infected blood. Most people with HCV remain infected for the rest of their lives and have some amount of liver damage, which can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer over several decades. Symptoms can include nausea, stomach soreness, appetite loss and fever.

Things You'll Need

• Bandages

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your physician about antiviral treatments, which are effective for only a small percentage of patients. Interferon wipes out the virus in 15 to 20 percent of patients with hepatitis C in its early stages, but the drug's effects are not usually permanent. Success rates with interferon increase if you have a small viral load, are under 40, have only mild liver inflammation and are female.

• 2

  Limit or avoid drinking alcohol, which taxes your liver.

• 3

  Eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet.

• 4

  Get plenty of rest if you feel sick or tired.

• 5

  Cover any open wounds with a bandage and dispose of any blood-stained products (such as bandages or sanitary napkins) carefully and safely.