How to Get Rid of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is very serious if not caught in the early stages. According to the American Liver Foundation, about 15 to 40 percent of those who get the virus can fight it off in its early stages (within six months). About 60 to 85 percent of those cannot get rid of the virus and develop a long-term, chronic hepatitis C infection. People with chronic hepatitis C are likely to have the disease for the rest of their lives, unless successfully treated with an antiviral medicine, according to the Liver Foundation. Chronic hepatitis C is responsible for 8,000 to 10,000 deaths per year and is the main reason people have liver transplants. Treating hepatitis C early is of utmost importance.

Instructions

• 1

  Prevention is the best cure. Avoid sharing a razor, toothbrush and nail clippers; exposure to others' blood; unclean tattooing and piercing instruments; unprotected anal sex or multiple sex partners. Be responsible with your body, your hygiene and your habits.

• 2

  Observe symptoms and maintain regular doctor visits to catch the disease early. There are often no symptoms from the disease, which is why the disease can persist for years without its victims knowledge. When there are symptoms, they come in the form of fatigue, joint pain, itchy skin, muscle soreness, stomach pain and jaundice. Visit the doctor if you notice these symptoms. He will give you a blood test to check for the disease.

• 3

  Take the medicine your doctor prescribes to start your treatment. The standard hepatitis C antiviral medicines are called peginterferons and interferons, both of which are used together. These medicines have a 40- to 80-percent chance of getting rid of the disease. These medicines cause flu-like symptoms, among other side effects. If this phase of treatment doesn't work, your disease will probably progress to chronic hepatitis C.

• 4

  Practice health-conscious habits if hepatitis becomes chronic. Stay under close supervision from a liver specialist, stay on prescribed medication, keep every medical appointment, get hepatitis A and B vaccinations to further protect your liver, eat nutritious meals, exercise, rest when you're tired, avoid alcohol and illegal drugs, consider joining a hepatitis C support group, and avoid spreading your blood.