How to Cope With Fatigue From Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease brought on by the virus HCV that can be transmitted through the blood of an infected person, often occurring among sexually promiscuous people. It can also be transmitted via hypodermic needles used for drug-taking and unsterilized tattoo needles. Though Hepatitis C is generally asymptomatic, people with HCV commonly experience fatigue; a reported 67 percent of HCV patients endure fatigue, according to Dr. Peter Hauser of the Northwest Hepatitis C Resource Center in Seattle, Washington. If you are infected with the virus, the cause of fatigue may be psychological, as you may be depressed or anxious. Or your fatigue may be caused by another condition such as anemia or thyroid disorder.

Things You'll Need

• Healthy diet
• Chinese herbs
• Warm drinks

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Instructions

• 1

  Contact a health professional to see whether your symptoms are due to HCV or another condition. He can supply you with prescriptions for your specific situation, such as anti-depressants, which have proven to help with fatigue in HCV patients, as opposed to HCV interferon treatments, which often leave patients feeling more fatigued.

• 2

  Improve your nutrition. Eat healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables, and limit the amount of sugars and fatty foods in your diet, as junk food can often make you feel sluggish and weak, whereas vitamins in fruits, vegetables, lean meats and complex carbohydrates can keep you energized and awake. Also, the Hepatitis C Council of South Australia suggests eating smaller meals throughout the day so that your digestion cycle will be on track, allowing for you to feel better throughout the day.

• 3

  Exercise. Try simple things like walking or swimming. As you become used to the exertion, you can add to the length of time you spend on each activity. The website allabouthepatitisc.com recommends exercise, as it allows you to fall asleep more easily when you go to bed at night.

• 4

  Talk to your physician or homeopath about Chinese herbal medicine, such as CH100, which can reduce fatigue associated with Hepatitis C, according to Hepatitis C Council of South Australia.

• 5

  Sleep. Reserve your energy for exercise and activities you simply have to do throughout the day. This should lower stress levels and make it easier for you to fall asleep at night. An hour before you go to bed, wind down by relaxing and drinking warm liquids. By getting a good night's sleep you will surely feel less fatigue during the day.