Why is it that some people do not need treatment for hepatitis c?

Some people with hepatitis C do not need treatment because they have a mild or inactive form of the disease. In these cases, the virus does not cause significant liver damage and does not require treatment. However, it's important to note that even mild cases of hepatitis C can progress to more severe disease, so regular monitoring is recommended.

Factors that may contribute to the natural clearance of hepatitis C without treatment include:

Strong immune response: Some individuals have a robust immune system that can effectively fight off the hepatitis C virus, allowing them to clear the infection spontaneously.

Viral factors: The specific strain or genotype of the hepatitis C virus, as well as the viral load, can influence the course of the disease. Some genotypes are more likely to be cleared naturally than others.

Host factors: Certain genetic variations in the person's genes may affect their susceptibility to hepatitis C and their ability to control the infection.

However, it's important to note that spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C is not common. The vast majority of people who are infected with hepatitis C require treatment to prevent serious liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Advances in treatment have made hepatitis C highly curable, with modern medications offering cure rates of over 95% in most cases.