Hep C Testing in Fort Lauderdale Florida
Free HEP C Testing, Treatment & Prevention Services
Hep C Care - Fort Lauderdale FL
Hep C Testing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hepatitis C is a common liver infection that slowly infiltrates and progressively damages the liver. The HCV (hepatitis C virus) is the root cause of the infection, which oftentimes spreads silently; when not treated, it can lead to life-threatening liver damage and in some cases, death. However, with proper antiviral medication-assisted treatment (MAT), it is possible to cure hepatitis C in most cases, which is why testing is crucial for those experiencing symptoms.
How Hepatitis C Is Contracted
Hepatitis C is contracted by sharing needles (through drug use), exposure to someone who is infected, or even sharing a razor or toothbrush with someone who has had the virus or infection. Clients who were born to a woman who has the virus also have an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis C, along with those who participate in sexual activity with someone who is actively carrying the virus (or HIV). Exposure in hospitals may also lead to the onset of infection, increasing the risk for healthcare workers.
Both organ transplants and blood transfusions can also contribute to the contraction of the virus. These were common culprits of hepatitis C before 1992, when blood screening for the infection became widespread. Today, individuals who receive DAA (direct-acting antivirals) treatments have a 90% cure rate, achieving the SVR stage (sustained virologic response).
SVR is classified when the hepatitis C virus has not been detected in the blood for at least 12 weeks (or more) after a DAA treatment is completed. Those who reach SVR are typically considered “cured,” meaning they will have the ability to live freely without the virus in the bloodstream. Studies have demonstrated that relapsing of hepatitis C occurs in less than 1% of clients (after completing their treatment). After achieving the status of SVR, some physicians may recommend checking for the virus between six and 12 months.
It’s important to note that hepatitis C is not contracted through hugging and kissing, sneezing, coughing, or breastfeeding (unless when cracking or bleeding is present in the nipples of an infected breastfeeding mother).
Symptoms of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is not always easy to detect, especially until more severe symptoms present themselves. Some of the most common symptoms of hepatitis C may present as flu-like, which can cause clients to feel as if they’re simply experiencing a traditional bout of the flu. The following symptoms are typically present in individuals who are carrying the virus or experiencing an infection:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea/vomiting (accompanied by a loss of appetite)
- Jaundice
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and aches
- Dark-colored urine
- Gray (or clay-colored) fecal matter
Changes in the colors of the whites of your eyes is known as sclera and can indicate the onset of the virus or an infection. Tenderness and swelling in the belly, or abdomen, is another physical symptom to watch for carefully. If you’re experiencing intense swelling in your feet, lower legs, or ankles (also referred to as edema), this may indicate hepatitis C in the body.
For those suffering from chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver is also possible, which can lead to the following symptoms:
- Jaundice
- Hemorrhaging (excessive bleeding)
- Mood and/or behavioral changes (often attributed to hepatic encephalopathy)
- Upper abdomen pain
- Dark-colored skin on your palms (which may also appear reddish in color)
- Ascites (swelling of the belly), due to the fluid buildup in your stomach
- Vomiting blood
With severe, chronic hepatitis C, people have a significantly increased risk of developing liver cancer and in some instances, liver failure. Seeking medical attention as quickly as possible can increase your chances of making a recovery or finding a treatment that’s suitable for your specific needs and genetic makeup. Monitoring symptoms and changes in your body can help with early detection and testing.
Hepatitis C Testing Solutions
When struggling with a potential infection or virus, it’s essential to seek testing as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, hepatitis C is often referred to as the “silent killer” as symptoms typically mimic those of a common flu, which can confuse those who contract the virus. For clients who are seeking answers for proper treatment, the following tests are available:
- HCV antibody tests: HCV antibody tests help detect antibodies in the blood, which can indicate the presence of hepatitis C. An antibody test will help determine if you have ever been exposed to the virus (including from a past infection).
- HCV RNA test (PCR): A PCR test helps detect if the hepatitis C virus is still active throughout the body. With a PCR test, it’s possible to detect the amount of hepatitis C virus that is in your blood with accurate measurements. This test is ideal for those interested in knowing more about their body’s viral load.
- Genotype test: A genotype test may be ordered to indicate the type of hepatitis C you have. There are currently a minimum of six strains of hepatitis C, which is why a genotype test is recommended. This can help determine the ideal treatment for optimized recovery.
- Ultrasound: An ultrasound, or transient elastography, can help determine the level of stiffness and fibrosis in your liver. If you are someone who has struggled with “fatty liver disease” in the past, an ultrasound is always advisable.
- Function test: In some cases, your doctor may recommend a liver function test. This will help gauge the overall function and needs of your liver before determining which medicine or treatment is right for you.
What Does Hepatitis C Testing Entail?
Clients seeking testing for hepatitis C will undergo the following process:
- Collection of blood samples: A blood sample is required to conduct a thorough analysis of your blood’s content (and to detect the presence of hepatitis C). Genome testing may be recommended, depending on your physician’s decision and if you have a family history of liver disease or other ailments related to hepatitis C.
- Reviewing results: Once your blood test analysis has been processed, you will receive the results from your physician. If you have been exposed to hepatitis C, you’ll require an HCV RNA test before receiving further treatment(s).
- Follow-up testing: The HCV RNA test will require additional blood samples, which will be sent to a lab for further analysis. This will help determine which course of action and treatment is suitable.
Treatments for Hepatitis C
Treating chronic or severe hepatitis C is not often possible on your own. Using antiviral medications and treatments can help significantly reduce the presence of the infection and virus. These medications are commonly prescribed as DAA. These DAA medications were originally approved in 2013 by the FDA and currently boast an impressive 90% cure rate in those who have been infected.
Common DAAs include:
- Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi)
- Ledipasvir (Harvoni)
- Glecaprevir (Mavyret)
- Velpatasvir (Epclusa)
Your doctor may also recommend you to interferon-based therapy. This form of therapy is a combination of both ribavirin and interferon. Unfortunately, interferon-based therapy has a reduced success rate (below 50%) in clients. Also, interferon-based therapy can require 24-48 weeks in total to complete, which is where DAAs come to the rescue, with a much higher success and cure rate. Speaking with your doctor about all of your options regarding medication and ongoing treatment is the best course of action so you can feel confident and informed with your decision.
Factors That Influence Treatment for Hepatitis C
For those who have chronic or severe hepatitis C, a customized treatment plan may be necessary for the best outcome(s). Factors that influence treatments include:
- Preexisting conditions: Preexisting conditions, such as “fatty liver disease” or liver damage, will have a role in determining the course of your treatment plan. If you have a history of jaundice and/or liver disease, it’s crucial to speak with your physician about liver and blood tests that are suitable for you. Those who have chronic or acute hepatitis C may benefit most from DAAs.
- Medication: If you’re currently taking any form of medication that may interfere with a DAA, it’s important to speak directly to your physician about possible treatment options. Medications such as amiodarone may reduce your heart rate when combined with a DAA such as Sovaldi.
- Viral load: The viral load detected in your body and immune system will also help your doctor find the most suitable treatment path for you. If you have a higher viral load (more than 800,000 IU/mL and above), you may require a more extensive or serious treatment than DAAs. Those who have a low viral load may benefit from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests along with transcription-mediated amplification (TMA).
- Genotype: Determining which genotype of hepatitis C you’ve been infected with is also crucial to determining the best course of action. In many cases, clients who have been given a diagnosis of hepatitis C have been infected by genotype 1. Testing for the correct genotype can help significantly with increasing your chances of a proper treatment.
Improving Symptoms of Hepatitis C Through Lifestyle Changes
Even after you begin undergoing treatment for hepatitis C, you’ll want to ensure you complete thorough blood and liver tests for a personalized treatment that’s aligned with your genetic needs, previous medical history, and any medications you currently take.
Monitoring your body’s viral load of the virus throughout treatment will help determine if the medication is working for you. Keep track of the side effects you experience and express them to your doctor throughout the treatment. This will ensure you are both on the same page when it comes to finding the right cure.
Lifestyle changes that can be implemented to help improve overall liver health include:
- Stopping alcohol: Avoiding alcohol at all times is imperative for those who are struggling with fatty liver disease or hepatitis C. This is crucial to make a recovery during treatment and will prevent further liver damage.
- Diet: A balanced and healthy diet can prevent inflammation and the worsening of your liver’s health.
- Exercising: Daily exercise is always recommended, especially among those who are suffering with liver damage, cirrhosis of the liver, or a diagnosis of hepatitis C.
If you’re struggling with chronic jaundice, abdominal pain/bloating, nausea, vomiting, edema, or other common symptoms of hepatitis C, it may be time to consider medication-assisted treatment. At LifeLine Health, serving Fort Lauderdale, we’ll work to ensure you receive proper testing, treatment, support, and ongoing monitoring if you believe you’re at-risk of hepatitis C. If it is determined you are carrying the virus, we’ll work with you to create a tailored treatment plan for you. Most often, our plan of care includes DAA solutions to increase your chance of making a complete recovery.
To learn more about our free hepatitis treatment solutions in Florida, contact LifeLine Health directly today.
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Most Asked
Is HIV treatable?
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is primarily transmitted through certain bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways that people become infected with HIV are through:
Unprotected sexual contact: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs: HIV can be transmitted when needles or other equipment that has been used by an HIV-positive person is reused by someone else.
From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding: HIV can be transmitted from a mother living with HIV to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Blood transfusion or organ transplant: HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants with infected blood or organs.
It’s important to note that HIV is not transmitted through everyday activities like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils.
It’s also worth mentioning that, although the risk of transmitting HIV through oral sex is lower than that of other sexual behaviors, it is still possible to transmit the virus by this way.
I am pregnant and HIV positive. Will my child be born with HIV?
If you are pregnant and living with HIV, it’s important to seek medical care right away. With appropriate medical care and treatment, the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be significantly reduced. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the most effective method for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. ART can suppress the virus in the mother’s body, lowering the risk of the virus being passed on to the baby during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant and HIV-positive, you’ll be closely monitored by a team of healthcare professionals, including an obstetrician, an HIV specialist and a pediatrician. They will work together to ensure the best possible care for you and your baby. They may advise you to start the ART treatment or adjust the current regimen during pregnancy. This is necessary to achieve an undetectable viral load, which is critical in minimizing the chance of mother-to-child transmission. It’s also important to know that there is a small chance that your child may still become infected despite all the preventative measures. Therefore it’s important to test the baby for HIV shortly after birth and continue monitoring the baby’s HIV status after delivery. It’s worth noting that mother-to-child transmission of HIV is rare in developed countries due to improved treatment and awareness, as long as the mother is diagnosed and treated early.
Listen To What Our Patients Say…
Cristina Anderson
I am thankful to the nice people at Lifeline Health. I was so scared when I found out I had been exposed. They guided me and made me feel so at ease. I have not had an issues and I know it’s because I went to Lifeline Health first.
Juan Bustamonte
