| Albany Addiction Associates, Inc © 2006 Affordable web design & hosting by Ferguson Web Services |
There are 5 different viruses which cause viral hepatitis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is known to account for the majority of what was previously referred to as non-A,
non-B hepatitis. Individuals infected with HCV are often identified because they are found to have elevated liver enzymes on a routine blood test or because a hepatitis C antibody is found to be positive at the time of blood donation. It is estimated that 85% of people infected with the hepatitis C virus will develop chronic hepatitis.
Persons At HIGH Risk
The risk of post transfusion hepatitis C has been reduced over the last several years
to <.5%. Also, the CDC states that the risk for exposure via sexual contact is rare for individuals having only one long- term sexual partner.
Possible Signs And Symptoms
Treatment
It is possible to be treated with medication and relapse after medication is
discontinued. Chronic hepatitis C appears to be a slowly progressive disease which may advance over a period of 10-40 years. The disease may progress faster when acquired in middle age or older. Hepatitis C may be particularly severe when it occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Hepatitis C can be treated with medication. Interferon, the primary drug used for treatment of hepatitis C has resulted in persons showing major improvement or normalization of liver tests. Patients sometimes relapse, requiring treatment with Interferon a second time.
If you have been diagnosed with Hepatitis C in the past, please report this to your counselor and the medical department at Private Clinic Albany. If you have not been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, but are concerned due to being at high risk or having symptoms of the disease please feel free to discuss this with your counselor or a member of the medical staff at Private Clinic Albany.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|