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Is Hep C Considered an STD?

The Editors at Hepatitis Central — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:24:44 +0000

One of the most common questions people have about hepatitis C is whether it is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Technically, it isn’t categorized as such. However, while rare, hepatitis C can potentially be spread through sexual contact with someone who has this virus.

How Hepatitis C Is Typically Contracted

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes liver inflammation. Therefore, it is considered a liver infection, sometimes also referred to as a liver disease or disorder—versus being known as an STD.

Hep C is typically contracted by coming into contact with an infected person’s blood, with the most common method of contracting this virus involving sharing needles—or other drug equipment that comes into contact with blood—with an infected person. (1)

This helps explain why hep C is not technically an STD. STDs are spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex, (2) which is different than being primarily spread through blood contact.

Can You Get Hep C Through Sexual Contact?

Unfortunately, you can potentially contract the hepatitis C virus through sexual contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although, this type of transmission is rare. (3)

The CDC adds that certain factors do appear to increase a person’s risk of getting the hep C virus through sexual activity.

They are:

having an STD
having multiple sex partners
engaging in anal sex

Hepatitis C Contraction and HIV

Some studies suggest that there is a higher chance of contracting hep C through sexual activity when this activity involves a male who has the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and has sex with other males. (4)

One of the potential reasons cited for this increased risk is that some of the networks of males who have sex with other males may overlap with people who also use needles to inject drugs. It’s also possible that damage to the rectum’s mucosal barrier could make these individuals more susceptible to contracting hepatitis C.

Other pieces of research seem to point to a theory more in line with the second hypothesis. For example, one article explains that some of the mucosal cells near the anus in HIV-positive males who have sex with other males seem to “capture” the hepatitis C virus, allowing it to enter into the blood. (5)

The Bottom Line

Is hep C considered an STD? No. However, it can possibly be transmitted through sexual contact, especially if your partner is a male who has HIV and has sex with other males.

If you have hepatitis C, learning about this liver infection is a good first step. There are several treatment options for hep C, not to mention modifying your diet can help as well.

It’s also helpful to learn how you can give hepatitis C to others. The better you understand how this virus is spread, the greater your ability to protect your sexual partners.

The post Is Hep C Considered an STD? first appeared on Hepatitis Central.

Safe, Effective Hepatitis B Treatments

The Editors at Hepatitis Central — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 19:56:35 +0000

Hepatitis B is inflammation in the liver that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). While vaccination can help prevent you from contracting this virus, it still affects roughly 296 million people globally, many of whom are children. It contributes to around 820,000 deaths per year. (1)

Although there is no cure, hepatitis B is often treatable. If you’ve been diagnosed with this virus, you may be wondering about your treatment options.

Here are a few hepatitis B treatment options to consider

No Treatment at All

Just because you have the hepatitis B virus doesn’t automatically mean that you need treatment. Some people with an acute or short-term hepatitis B infection do get better on their own. Even those diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B don’t necessarily need to be treated. (2)
Several factors can help decide if treatment is the right decision for you.

Among them are:

your age
your risk of developing serious liver issues
and what blood test results say about the level of the virus in your body. (3)

Antiviral Medications

The goal of antiviral medication is to keep the hepatitis B virus from reproducing or replicating. Depending on your condition, your healthcare provider may prescribe one antiviral medication, or they may combine two medicines for a better effect. These medications tend to be strong, have a low risk of developing viral resistance, and typically have few adverse side effects. (4)

As of January 2022, the first-line antiviral drugs of choice for treating hepatitis B are: (5)

entecavir
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
tenofovir alafenamide

Other antiviral medications used to treat chronic hepatitis B infections include adefovir and lamivudine. (6) Several of these have a 90% or higher success rate for reducing the viral load, and they work for several years after taking the drug. (5)

Research indicates that the use of antivirals early on can reduce the risk of end-stage liver disease and even death in patients with chronic hepatitis B who also have normal alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. (7) Normal ALT levels suggest that liver damage has not yet occurred.

Achieving success with antiviral medications requires taking them as prescribed. When treatment regimens are not adhered to, their ability to work drops dramatically. (5)

Interferon Injections

Another option for taking daily medication is to treat hepatitis B with injections. Interferon is one such injection that helps protect against the virus while also modulating the body’s immune response.

Interferon-based therapy, such as pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN), has greater effectiveness when it is long-term. When taken for 48 weeks, it is found to have a 41% success rate of normalizing ALT levels, with the success rate being smaller if it is taken for shorter durations. (5)

That said, interferon therapies are not used too often because, since they are delivered via injection, they require multiple visits to your healthcare provider. Plus, interferon treatments can have a longer list of potential side effects, and these adverse effects are relatively common.

In addition, interferon treatments are not recommended for patients with hepatic decompensation, those who are immunosuppressed, have major co-occurring diseases, or are pregnant. Therefore, Peg-IFN can only be used in fewer than 5% of patients with hepatitis B. (5)

Liver Transplant

If severe liver damage has occurred, a transplant may be recommended. A majority of transplanted livers are received from deceased donors, with a smaller portion coming from donors who are still living. (6)

Antiviral therapy is required for the remainder of your life after receiving a liver transplant to help prevent complications. This therapy generally involves taking oral nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) and receiving hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) injections, although research suggests that HBIG injections may not be needed with some of the newer NAs. (8)

Alternative Hepatitis B Treatments

Some studies have found that alternative therapies may aid in the treatment of hepatitis B. For instance, a piece of research published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology on January 22, 2021, notes that maoto—a Traditional Chinese Medicine which is a combination of ephedra, apricot kernel, cinnamon bark, and glycyrrhiza root—appears to suppress the hepatitis B virus. (9)

Another study found that a natural polyherbal blend called Safoof akseer e jigar was as effective as a therapeutic drug for treating hepatitis B. (10) This blend is sometimes found in syrup form.

Which Hepatitis B Treatment Is Best for You?

Your healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment for you, if treatment is recommended at all. However, understanding the options that exist can help you have a more informed conversation with your provider. It also increases your awareness of what to ask, ensuring that all your hepatitis B treatment questions are answered before deciding what is right for you.

The post Safe, Effective Hepatitis B Treatments first appeared on Hepatitis Central.

Hepatitis C Treatment Options in 2023

The Editors at Hepatitis Central — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 20:10:02 +0000

Hepatitis C is highly curable. (1) That said, if you’ve been diagnosed with this virus-based liver inflammation, your treatment options can vary from one year to the next due to advances in research, medicines, medical equipment, and treatment techniques. With all these factors in mind, here are hepatitis C treatments available in 2023.

Options to Treat Hep C in 2023

Direct-Acting Antiviral Hepatitis C Medications

Research indicates that direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications can effectively resolve the hepatitis C virus (HCV) more than 90% of the time. (2) This high success rate makes DAAs one of the first treatment choices.

Direct-acting antivirals are medications designed to keep the hepatitis C virus from replicating. They work by targeting the proteins that encode the virus, impacting their ability to reproduce. Treatment with DAA medicines ranges in length from 8 to 24 weeks, and they are available in pill form.
Taking two or more DAAs at the same time often leads to a more effective resolution of a hepatitis C infection. (3) First-line direct-acting antiviral medications that offer a combination approach to treatment include: (4)

ledipasvir-sofosbuvir (Harvoni)
elbasvir-grazoprevir (Zepatier)
sofosbuvir-velpatasvir (Epclusa)
sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir (Vosevi)
glecaprevir-pibrentasvir (Mavyret)

Interferon-Based Hepatitis C Therapies

Another medication option for treating hepatitis C is interferon (IFN)-based therapy. This type of medicine is delivered via a weekly injection versus taking a pill daily, which can be a challenge for some patients.

Other challenges associated with IFN-based hepatitis C treatments are: (5)

the duration of treatment is generally much longer (around 48 weeks)
these drugs can lead to more adverse side effects than those experienced with DAAs
having pre-existing conditions may make patients ineligible for this type of treatment
many patients don’t tolerate this treatment well

Despite this, there may be times when interferon therapy is recommended. For instance, research has found that IFN-based therapy is less likely to reactivate hepatitis B in patients who also have hepatitis C when compared to those receiving a DAA-based treatment, at 11.9% versus 21.1% respectively. (6)

Liver Transplant

If the hepatitis C infection is advanced, chronic, or involves serious complications, a liver transplant may be needed. Fortunately, this treatment option is becoming less necessary, due in large part to the high effectiveness of antivirals. (7)

Still, in cases where a liver transplant is required, hepatitis C is one of the most common reasons for this surgical procedure. (8) This involves getting on the transplant list, then finding a suitable donor. Liver donors can be living or deceased.

Having a living donor can shorten your time on the waitlist. (9) To qualify as a living donor, several conditions must be met. Among them are being between 18 and 65 years of age, having a body mass index under 33, and agreeing to avoid cigarettes and alcohol for at least six weeks before surgery.

Lifestyle Changes That Support Hepatitis C Treatment

Making certain lifestyle changes can also be beneficial when you have hepatitis C. Some of the changes recommended by Johns Hopkins include: (10)

Stop drinking alcohol as this can be dangerous for someone with hep C
Lose your excess weight since obesity can increase the speed at which the liver scars
Get your vaccinations for hepatitis A and B if you don’t already have immunity to these diseases

Taking a dietary supplement may also improve liver health. For instance, carotenoids have been found to help protect the liver by reducing oxidative stress and regulating lipid metabolism. (11) Milk thistle also has protective properties, even helping to stimulate liver regeneration. (12)

The Future of Hepatitis C Treatment

What does hepatitis C treatment look like in the future? One potential remedy is nanomedicine.

Nanomedicine involves treating the patient on the molecular level. According to researchers, this type of medicine can help healthcare providers better target the liver, along with providing more sustainable treatment effects while limiting negative side effects. (13)

The post Hepatitis C Treatment Options in 2023 first appeared on Hepatitis Central.

Recently Diagnosed with Hepatitis C? Here’s What to Expect

The Editors at Hepatitis Central — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 19:30:48 +0000

Every year, roughly 1.5 million new cases of hepatitis C occur worldwide. (1) If you’re one of the individuals recently diagnosed with this disease, you may find that you have a lot of questions about what lies ahead. That’s completely normal. And getting a few answers can also help ease your mind. So, here’s what a hep C diagnosis means, as well as what you can expect.

What a Hepatitis C Diagnosis Means

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that occurs in the liver, leading to inflammation of this organ. Infection can be short-term, which is referred to as acute hepatitis C, or it can be long-term, which is known as chronic hepatitis C.

While symptoms of acute hepatitis C can last for six months, chronic hepatitis C is sometimes a lifelong disease—and many acute cases turn into chronic infections. (2) Chronic hepatitis C has the potential of turning into liver damage, liver scarring (cirrhosis), or liver cancer. For approximately 290,000 people annually, this virus leads to death (1).

Should I Be Worried If I Have Hep C?

Based on statistics such as these, you may be worried that a hepatitis C diagnosis is automatically a death sentence. However, that is not necessarily the case. Getting your diagnosis in the early stages of this disease, which also allows for early treatment, can help stop the virus from progressing to the point where it results in liver damage, failure, or cancer. (2)

Plus, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can often be treated with antiviral medications. According to a 2018 review published in Liver International, interferon-free direct-acting antivirals have a 95% success rate for curing the hep C virus, with most treatments lasting 8 to 12 weeks. (3)

How Did I Get Hepatitis C If I Don’t Do Drugs?

Because the hepatitis C virus is spread through contact with infected blood, this disease is often associated with intravenous drug use or sharing needles with someone with HCV. But there are other ways to contract hep C.

They include:

Coming in contact with needles used by someone with HCV in other ways, such as during your work as a police officer, first responder, or healthcare provider
Sharing personal items with someone who has hepatitis C, or being exposed to the virus through any open sores they may have

Getting a tattoo or piercing at a facility that does not use sterile equipment, potentially exposing you to the virus from a previous client infected with HCV
Not using protection when engaging in sexual actions with someone who has hepatitis C

Women who are pregnant can also pass HCV onto their unborn child. This method of disease transference is increasing dramatically, largely due to the opioid epidemic, resulting in a higher rate of children between the ages of 2 and 3 being identified as having the virus. (X4)

Is Hep C Considered a Terminal Illness?

A terminal illness is an illness that does not have a cure and has a high likelihood of resulting in death. We’ve already talked about the research-based finding that 95% of people with this infection can be cured. According to a scientific update published in 2020, between 95% to 99% of people diagnosed with hepatitis C will survive this disease. (5) Thus, hepatitis C cannot be classified as a terminal illness.

The 2020 update also shares that 95% of people with chronic hepatitis C are unaware that they have the virus. This lack of awareness plays a major role in the ability of this disease to progress to more severe stages. It also makes testing and early treatment key to improving the prognosis of people who have HCV.

Tips for Better Coping with Your Recent Hepatitis C Diagnosis

Articles & Diet

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with hepatitis C, knowledge is power. Learn what you can about this infection so you understand exactly what it is and what to expect with your form of treatment. There are numerous informative articles available at Hepatitis Central to assist with this, covering everything from what hepatitis C is to tips for creating a liver-friendly diet.

Healthcare Provider

Also, talk to your healthcare provider. Ask them any questions you may have and share your concerns. This medical professional can help educate you about the disease while also setting reasonable expectations based on your specific condition and treatment.

Support Groups

It can also be helpful to connect with others who’ve been diagnosed with HCV, giving you the opportunity to learn from them and share your experiences. One option is the Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group. You can also check with your local health department or do an online search for “hepatitis C support groups near me” to find other groups in your area.

Above all, remember that hepatitis C is highly treatable—especially in the early stages. So, follow your healthcare provider’s treatment advice and appear for all your necessary appointments. Taking these two actions can go a long way in helping you treat (and cope with) your recent hep C diagnosis.

The post Recently Diagnosed with Hepatitis C? Here’s What to Expect first appeared on Hepatitis Central.

What Fruits & Vegetables Are Good For Liver Health?

The Editors at Hepatitis Central — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:07:52 +0000

9 Fall Fruits & Vegetables Good for Liver Health

“From A to Z, apples to zucchini, find out 9 delicious fall fruits and vegetables that are wonderful for liver health.

Fall is known as the season of change. Leaves transition from bright green to various shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown before finally falling from the trees. Warm winds change to cool breezes, putting a nip in the air. This makes fall a good season for also changing your diet in a way that promotes eating more seasonal food for liver health. Here are nine fruits and vegetables that are good options to consider for liver health since they are in season in the fall months.”

Continue reading this entire article!
https://www.liversupport.com/9-fall-fruits-vegetables-good-for-liver-health/

The post What Fruits & Vegetables Are Good For Liver Health? first appeared on Hepatitis Central.

Reducing PTSD Symptoms…with Hep C Drugs?

The Editors at Hepatitis Central — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 19:23:27 +0000

Hepatitis C drugs may reduce PTSD symptoms

Source: Boston University School of Public Health

“More than six percent of Americans will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime. This potentially chronic condition disrupts lives, and can lead to or exacerbate existing health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.

Despite the high prevalence of PTSD, the US Food and Drug Administration has only approved two medications to treat this condition — sertraline and paroxetine — and both have shown only limited effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms.”

Continue reading this entire article:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220822145130.htm

The post Reducing PTSD Symptoms…with Hep C Drugs? first appeared on Hepatitis Central.

New Hepatitis C Virus Detection Process

The Editors at Hepatitis Central — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 18:22:09 +0000

New Low-Cost Device Rapidly, Accurately Detects Hepatitis C Infection

By Gisele Galoustian

8/3/2022

“Hepatitis C affects more than 354 million people worldwide. About 75 to 85 percent of people who have it get a long-term infection referred to as chronic Hepatitis C. Left untreated, it could lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure. Each year, an estimated 1 million people die from this disease.

Despite the availability of effective therapies, only 20 percent of the population is diagnosed, and only 7 percent have received treatment within developed countries. In developing or low-income countries, where 78 to 80 percent of the worldwide cases reside, less than 1 percent receive a diagnosis and treatment.

The most accurate way to diagnose Hepatitis C is with molecular testing, which should start with an antibody assay, followed by a nucleic acid test for RNA detection to confirm the initial result. However, current testing methods are time-consuming, expensive and challenging to deploy in remote and underdeveloped areas.”

Continue reading this entire article here:
https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/hepatitis-microfluidic-device

The post New Hepatitis C Virus Detection Process first appeared on Hepatitis Central.

The Best and Worst Things to Say to Someone Recently Diagnosed with Hepatitis C

The Editors at Hepatitis Central — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 15:46:08 +0000

On April 10, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new recommendation that all adults be screened for hepatitis C, with people at higher risk being tested more often, and that pregnant women get screened with every pregnancy. (1)

The goal of more universal testing, according to the CDC, is to help people identify whether they have this disease characterized by liver inflammation, especially since an estimated 44% don’t know they have it.

This means that more people are likely to be diagnosed with hep C in the near future. What if one of those people is your family member or friend? Should this occur, it is helpful to know what to say to them, as well as what not to say.

The Best Things to Say to Someone Just Diagnosed with Hepatitis C

The right response upon learning that a loved one has been diagnosed with hepatitis C can mean the difference between them feeling loved and supported, or them feeling ashamed, scared, or somehow accused of doing something wrong.

Here are a few things to say that fall on the loved and supported side of the fence:

“I’m here if you’d like to talk.” Letting them know that you’re all ears if they want to talk, scream, vent, or otherwise put their diagnosis into words can give them some relief. Not everyone wants to talk about this type of diagnosis, so it lets them know that it’s okay for them to talk to you. This type of response also keeps the door open if they aren’t ready to talk about it now but may want to in the future.
“What can I do to help?” This simple question shows your concern without asking for private information or jumping in to help when that’s not what they want or need. It also tells them that you are there for them should they need a ride to treatment or even someone to go with them when talking to their doctor. All they have to do is tell you what they need and you will get it done.
“I’ve heard that hepatitis C is highly treatable.” The benefit of this response is that helps inspire hope in the person. It also informs them that there are effective treatment options while encouraging them to check into them. For instance, once-daily oral treatments have been found to help 9 in 10 people with hepatitis C achieve a sustained virological response rate, and they tend to be well tolerated. (2)
“Is there anything I can help you find out about the virus?” The reason this is helpful is that information is power. The more the person learns about hepatitis C, the more they know what to expect. It helps take the unknown (and fear) out of the equation. Encourage them to learn more about their condition so they know how to best manage it.

The Worst Things to Say When Someone Receives a Hepatitis C Diagnosis

Just as it is important to know what to say, it is equally as critical to be aware of what you could say that might be upsetting to someone who is trying to process their recent hepatitis C diagnosis.

Here are a few things that you should avoid saying to someone with hep C, as well as the reasons why:

“Really? How did you get it?” You may be genuinely curious, maybe even to educate yourself so you don’t get this virus too. But the problem with asking is that they may not want to share this information, if they even know how they got it. One of the ways that the virus is transmitted is through intravenous drug use. This type of drug use could be part of the person’s past and they may not want you to know about it. Depending on how you ask, this type of question can also be taken as accusatory versus curious in nature.
“Can your family get it?” Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact such as holding hands, kissing on the cheek, or sitting side-by-side at the dinner table. It is transmitted by coming in contact with an infected person’s blood. If the person you’re speaking with doesn’t know this, you could panic them into thinking that they are going to be responsible for their family members (and friends) all contracting the virus. The last thing they need is more stress, especially when it is based on false information.
“Oh my gosh, are you scared?” The reason that you want to avoid this question is that, if they weren’t scared before, they might be now just because you entered this thought into their head. For some, it will imply that they should be scared even though, as mentioned above, the disease is highly treatable.
“Is the treatment bad?” Asking this question suggests the notion that treatment either may or should have negative side effects. Fortunately, side effects are less common for hepatitis C medications than ever before and the ones that are experienced are generally mild. (3) Therefore, there’s no need to panic the person that they’re somehow facing horrible treatment.

Knowing what to say and not to say can help your loved one feel cared for when first diagnosed with hepatitis C. It also says that you are there for them in whatever way they need.

The post The Best and Worst Things to Say to Someone Recently Diagnosed with Hepatitis C first appeared on Hepatitis Central.

WHO’s Global Plan to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis by 2030

The Editors at Hepatitis Central — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:02:59 +0000

WHO publishes updated guidance on hepatitis C infection – with new recommendations on treatment of adolescents and children, simplified service delivery and diagnostics

Updated WHO Guidance on hepatitis C (HCV) infection was released today during a joint WHO-EASL-CDC symposium at the EASL International Liver Congress 2022 in London. These guidelines recommend a radical simplification of the care pathway to overcome barriers in access to HCV testing and treatment.

Continue reading this entire article:
https://www.who.int/news/item/24-06-2022-WHO-publishes-updated-guidance-on-hepatitis-C-infection

The post WHO’s Global Plan to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis by 2030 first appeared on Hepatitis Central.

5 Self-Care Tips for Living with Hepatitis C

The Editors at Hepatitis Central — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 18:10:32 +0000

If you are diagnosed with hepatitis C, medications are generally prescribed. But there are also a few things you can do in the form of self-care that may be beneficial to your health, both mentally and physically.

With that in mind, here are five self-care tips that are helpful for people with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

1. Take Time to De-Stress

Stress can take a toll on anyone, regardless of the status of their health. But if you have the hep C virus, enduring a lot of stress in your everyday life has another negative consequence in that it can potentially increase your risk of depression. (1)

Make it a priority to regularly lower your stress levels, which helps to reduce their impact on your mental health.

For instance, you can do something just for yourself every day, no matter how small that something is.
If you’re feeling down, touch base with a friend or family member who always makes you feel better.

It can also be helpful to work on improving your coping skills so the stressors in your life don’t have such an impact.

2. Schedule Regular Social Outings

It can be common for people with hepatitis to feel socially isolated. With this social isolation often comes depression, anxiety, and stress. (2) To help combat this, schedule things on your calendar that will help you spend more time with other people.

Putting this self-care tip into practice could be as simple as meeting a friend after work one night for coffee to catch up and have a few laughs.
You can also look for local events that you might want to attend, such as a music concert or buying tickets to see your favorite sports team.
If you enjoy playing sports yourself, you may want to consider joining a league. This can help keep you physically active while also meeting your social needs.

3. Get Physically Active (Even If it’s Not Exercise)

Speaking of physical activity, research has found that engaging in some type of exercise or other forms of physical activity regularly can improve your health-related quality of life if you have hepatitis C—regardless of the parameters of the disease. (3)

So, if you’re not fond of exercise, just look for some other form of activity that you do enjoy that will also get you moving.

One option is to do yard work or tend to your garden.
You can also take your dog for a walk or play with your kids or grandkids outside.
Other non-exercise ways to boost your physical activity include parking further away from the door when going to the store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, and pacing while on the phone versus standing still. All of these will get you moving more throughout the day.

4. Adhere to Your Treatment Regimen

Hepatitis C infection is often treated with antiviral medications. These medications may be prescribed for up to 24 weeks, depending on your situation and the level of damage to your liver. Although it may be tempting to not complete your entire HCV therapy, especially if you start to feel better, doing so can keep you from being successfully treated.

In a study involving 206 people with chronic hepatitis C who also took direct-acting antivirals, achieving a sustained virological response had several positive effects.

These include:

reduced mobility issues
lower pain and discomfort levels
and improvements in anxiety and depression. (4)

In short, completing your treatment enables you to enjoy effects such as these.

5. Seek Treatment for an Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol is hard on the liver. That’s why it’s advised to avoid this type of beverage when you have hepatitis C. The trouble with this advice is that alcohol use disorder and HCV-related liver disease often go hand in hand. However, drinking alcohol while being treated for HCV can reduce the treatment’s benefits. (5)

Seeking treatment can help when you’ve been diagnosed with hep C and are struggling to quit drinking. You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) any time of the day or night via their free national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). They can provide information and connect you with local resources available in your area.

Self-care practices such as these can be helpful when you have hepatitis C. Many have the ability to not just make you feel better, but also to improve your quality of life.

The post 5 Self-Care Tips for Living with Hepatitis C first appeared on Hepatitis Central.