Hepatitis C Treatment in Florida
Free Hepatitis C Testing, Treatment & Prevention Services
Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment
Treating Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that attacks the liver, causing inflammation. Previously, it was a lifelong and chronic illness. Today, there have been advancements in the medical field that have changed the landscape. For many, curing this infection is possible. This article takes a closer look at combination treatments and new therapies that have revolutionized hepatitis C.
What Is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the HCV virus (hepatitis C virus). The virus silently invades the body, often going unnoticed for years. During this time, it progressively causes liver damage. Because it is a silent attacker, hepatitis C is often called the “silent epidemic” or “silent killer” because most people are unaware they have the disease until there is a significant amount of liver damage.
The HCV virus spreads through blood-to-blood contact, and once inside your body, it attacks your liver cells, causing inflammation to the liver. Over time, those infected develop liver cancer or cirrhosis.
The beginning phases of infection, known as acute hepatitis C, can manifest with symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. But, in about 75-85% of the cases, the virus shows no symptoms and simply evolves into chronic hepatitis C. By this stage, there is a significant amount of liver damage, resulting in long-term health issues.
Understanding what hepatitis C is, what the symptoms are, and what causes it is important to recognize the need for early treatment. Early treatment can improve the health outcomes of those infected.
What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis C?
As mentioned above, many people infected with hepatitis C won’t experience symptoms, especially during the early stages. However, once symptoms start to emerge, it’s important to get treatment to prevent serious liver damage. Here is a breakdown of symptoms that those infected may experience.
Acute Hepatitis C
The initial phase is typically within the first six months after you have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. Although many do not experience symptoms, the ones who do will exhibit the following symptoms.
• Fatigue: A feeling of fatigue throughout the day that doesn’t go away
• Fever: Some people experience a mild to moderate fever
• Nausea and vomiting: A feeling of nausea that is possibly accompanied by vomiting
• Lack of appetite: Little or no desire to eat
• Jaundice: There may be a yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Dark-colored urine: Urine may seem darker than normal
• Abdominal pain: Some people may have pain where the liver is located
Chronic Hepatitis C
After six months, the infection graduates to chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C is not always diagnosed as some individuals continue to remain asymptomatic. Those who do develop symptoms will show the following:
• Intense fatigue: Fatigue that impacts work and daily activities
• Muscle and joint pain: There will be aches and pains in the muscles and joints
• Cognitive issues: Some people may experience “brain fog” or problems with memory
• Itchy skin: Persistent itchy skin without a particular reason
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Spider angiomas: Spider-like blood vessels will appear under the skin
• Fluid retention: Swelling in the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites) may occur due to fluid retention
Advanced Symptoms and End-Stage Hepatitis C
If chronic hepatitis C isn’t treated, it could result in severe liver damage. The only treatment for end-stage hepatitis C is a liver transplant. Advanced symptoms of end-stage hepatitis C include:
• Severe jaundice: Pronounced yellowing of both the eyes and the skin
• Enlarged abdomen: Due to fluid retention, the swelling in the abdomen becomes worse
• Hepatic encephalopathy: Confusion and disorientation as a result of toxins building up in the blood; this is due to your liver not being able to filter out toxins
• Variceal bleeding: Severe bleeding from the esophagus or stomach
• Liver failure: Complete or partial loss of liver function
What Kinds of Treatments Are Available for Hepatitis C?
Fortunately, there have been major advancements regarding the treatments available for hepatitis C. In fact, hepatitis C became the first curable chronic viral infection. Previously, treatments for hepatitis C were ineffective. The change that would revolutionize treatment and cure 98% of those infected was the introduction of direct antiviral agents.
To treat hepatitis C, antiviral medications are needed to remove the virus from the body. The goal of treatment is to ensure the virus is undetectable in the blood for at least 12 weeks or more. This stage is known as a “sustained virologic response,” or SVR. Achieving this stage is the equivalent of being cured.
Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs)
The first highly effective DAA was approved by the FDA in 2013. This medication targets the hepatitis C virus, preventing it from replicating.
The benefits of DAA medications include:
• High cure rates: Over 90% of individuals infected with the virus achieve the SVR stage
• Short treatment duration: Most DAA regiments last roughly eight to 12 weeks
• Fewer side effects: Side effects are mild
Some common DAA medications include:
• Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi)
• Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir (Harvoni)
• Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir (Mavyret)
• Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir (Epclusa)
Interferon-Based Therapy
Before DAAs, hepatitis C was treated with a combination of interferon and ribavirin. However, this treatment was typically not well tolerated (severe side effects) and not particularly effective. Success rates varied, for example, and were often below 50%. In addition, the treatment was long, lasting anywhere between 24 to 48 weeks. Since the development of DAAs, interferon-based therapies are, for the most part, obsolete.
Determining the Best Treatment Plan
Individuals infected with the hepatitis C virus often need a customized treatment plan as there are several factors to keep in mind when deciding the best treatment. Some factors include:
• HCV genotype: The genotype refers to the strain of hepatitis C virus the individual was infected with. Some DAA medications are effective against all strains of the virus (or all genotypes) while others target specific genotypes. There are six genotypes. Most people in the United States with hepatitis C have been infected by Genotype 1.
• Viral load: The amount of virus, or the viral load, can also determine the treatment plan. If you have a high viral load (800,000 IU/mL and above), it can be harder for DAAs to get rid of the virus in your blood. Some people have a very low viral load that can be detected with new tests, such as transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.
• Liver health: The extent of liver damage may also determine the kind of treatment you will get. If you have acute or chronic hepatitis C, treatment plans with DAAs are effective. End-stage hepatitis C requires a liver transplant.
• Other medications: Some medications may interact with DAAs, thus interfering with your treatment. Medications, such as amiodarone, can lead to a slower heart rate when mixed with DAAs like Sovaldi.
• Previous treatment history: Some individuals may have undergone prior treatments. Some DAAs have been shown to reactivate hepatitis B infections, for example. Individuals who have been previously treated for hepatitis B will need to inform their doctors.
• Coexisting conditions: Other health issues, such as HIV or pregnancy, need to be considered when starting a treatment plan.
Monitoring
Once treatment for hepatitis C begins, monitoring and follow-ups are crucial.
• Before treatment: Blood tests and liver assessments are needed to customize a treatment plan for those infected.
• During treatment: Regular blood tests are needed to monitor the viral load. If treatment is going well, there should be a decrease in the viral load. Side effects should also be noted.
• Post treatment: Once individuals reach the SVR stage, there should be follow-up tests to ensure the virus is completely removed from the blood.
Lifestyle Changes
While DAAs can cure 95% of those infected with hepatitis C, it is important for individuals to make lifestyle changes to support the health of their liver. Some lifestyle changes include:
• Balanced diet: Individuals should try to maintain a balanced diet.
• Avoiding alcohol: Alcohol can accelerate liver damage and should be avoided.
• Exercise: Some form of exercise should be included daily to promote overall well-being.
How Does One Contract Hepatitis C?
Understanding the different ways you can contract hepatitis C can help you take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Drug Use
Since hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact, one of the main ways of contracting the disease is by sharing needles. Even tiny amounts of blood contain the virus.
Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants
In 1992, blood screening for HCV became widespread. Before that, however, many people contracted hepatitis C through organ transplants and blood transfusions.
Accidental Exposure in Hospitals
Healthcare workers may get infected if they accidentally get pricked by a needle with infected blood.
Mother-to-Child
A pregnant woman with hepatitis C can pass the disease onto her baby during childbirth. This kind of transmission is rare, though.
How Does One Contract Hepatitis C?
In order to get treatment for hepatitis C, you must get tested. Getting tested can ensure you get the treatment you need, thereby reducing the risk of serious liver damage.
You should get tested if you have a history of injection drug use, have had blood transfusions or an organ transplant before 1992, have a mother who had hepatitis C before you were born, or have HIV.
The Types of Hepatitis C Tests Available
The Testing Process
There are two main types of tests that are used to test for hepatitis C.
- HCV antibody test: This test detects if there are antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system produces to fight the virus. A positive result shows that you have been exposed to the virus. This could mean a past infection or a current infection. Additional testing will be needed to determine if the virus is still active in your body.
- HCV RNA test (PCR test): If you have antibodies in your blood, this test detects the presence of the virus. A positive PCR test indicates that the virus is active. The test results will be an exact number as it measures the amount of hepatitis C virus in your blood (your viral load).
The Results
The testing process involves the following steps:
- Blood sample collection: A blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm. This sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
- Results: The test should come back after a few days. If the test is positive – meaning you have been exposed to the virus – you will need to take the HCV RNA test.
- Follow-up testing: The HCV RNA test will require another blood sample. The sample is then sent back to the lab for analysis.
What We Offer at LifeLine Health
At LifeLine Health, we urge you to get tested if you believe you are at risk of being infected with the hepatitis C virus. We offer testing, treatment, monitoring, and support. If you test positive for the virus, our team of specialists will put together a tailored treatment plan, which involves the use of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. We will also monitor your progress throughout to ensure you get the best possible outcome. There are three easy steps once you contact us — complete our online form, make an appointment, and receive treatment.
For free hepatitis C treatment in Florida, contact LifeLine Health.
Our Three Easy Steps
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- Complete This Form
- Make An Appointment
- Receive Treatment
Most Asked
How is Hepatitis C spread?
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. The most common ways that hepatitis C is spread include:
- Sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs. This is the most common way that hepatitis C is spread.
- Having unprotected sex with an infected person. However, this is a less common way to spread hepatitis C.
- From an infected mother to her baby during birth
- Accidental needle sticks or exposure to an infected person’s blood in a healthcare setting
- Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
- Tattoo or piercing with unsterilized needles or equipment
- Exposure to blood on the job, such as for healthcare workers.
It’s important to note that hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food or drinks, or using the same restrooms. It is important to test for Hepatitis C and get medical treatment if needed to prevent the virus from progressing to chronic infection.
Will PrEP still protect me from HIV even if I don't take it every day?
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken daily that can help prevent the contraction of HIV. It works by blocking the virus from entering and infecting cells in the body. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV.
While missing doses of PrEP can decrease its effectiveness in preventing HIV infection, it still has some level of protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that even if someone misses several doses, the medication still provides some level of protection against HIV.
It’s important to note that if you miss doses of PrEP or stop taking it altogether, your risk of contracting HIV increases. For maximum protection, it’s recommended to take PrEP consistently and as prescribed. To ensure that you continue to receive the protection you need, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about strategies to help you stay on track with your PrEP regimen. At LifeLine Health, we can help.
It’s also worth to note that taking PrEP alone may not protect against other sexually transmitted infections and other protective measures such as regular testing, barrier methods, and practicing safer sex should be used in conjunction with PrEP.
How can sexually transmitted diseases be prevented?
There are several ways to prevent the contraction and spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs):
1. Abstinence: Avoiding sexual contact altogether is the most effective way to prevent STDs.
2. Condom use: Consistently and correctly using condoms during sexual activity can greatly reduce the risk of contracting STDs.
3. Regular testing: Getting tested for STDs on a regular basis and discussing your sexual health with your partner(s) is important to ensure early detection and treatment.
4. Vaccinations: Getting vaccinated for certain STDs such as HPV and Hepatitis B can help prevent their contraction.
5. Limiting the number of sexual partners: Having fewer sexual partners decreases the risk of contracting an STD.
6. PrEP: for HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken daily that can help prevent the contraction of HIV
7. PEP: for HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication that can be taken after possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection.
8. Get treated if you do have an STD. Many STDs can be treated and cured, which helps prevent their spread.
It’s important to remember that STDs can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated, and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your partners. If you have any concerns or questions about your sexual health, please contact LifeLine Health today.
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
