Hepatitis
2020: A New Decade for Hepatitis C Drugs and Eradication
2019 was a big year in the fight against the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It introduced several new therapies as well as discontinued a handful of others. There was also no shortage of research and review pouring into the HCV space with newly improved therapies and practices being constantly explored. Out with the old and…
Read MoreWhat is Hepatitis?
What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver cells and damage to the liver. There are different types and causes, but the symptoms can be similar. The liver’s functions include detoxifying the blood, storing vitamins, and producing hormones. Hepatitis can disrupt these processes and create severe health problems throughout the body. At…
Read MoreWhat Is Autoimmune Hepatitis?
Viruses cause many types of hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is one exception. This type of liver disease occurs when your immune system attacks your liver cells. AIH is a chronic condition that can result in cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver. Ultimately, it can lead to liver failure. Causes of autoimmune hepatitis AIH occurs when your…
Read MoreCan You Get Hepatitis C from Saliva or Kissing?
More than 3.5 million Americans are infected with chronic Hepatitis C, one of the most common causes of liver disease today. Although it is believed to be primarily transmitted through blood to blood contact, there are indications that other means of contracting Hepatitis C are possible. Discover if this means you can get Hepatitis C…
Read MoreNeedle Exchange for Halting New Hep C Infections
Needle Exchange for Halting New Hep C Infections Learn why there is an increasing number of new Hepatitis C infections, and what public health experts suggest to tackle this problem.  Harm reduction programs do not condone or stop intravenous drug use, but they are proven routes for preventing infections spread through needle sharing. In…
Read MoreHepatitis and Cirrhosis: Similarities and Differences
Hepatitis and Cirrhosis: Similarities and Differences What is the Difference Between Hepatitis and Cirrhosis? By Naheed Ali, MD Updated July 09, 2017 What is the difference between hepatitis and cirrhosis?. Tara Moore/Cultura/Getty What are the differences between hepatitis and cirrhosis? How are the symptoms of the two diseases, the causes, and the treatments different and…
Read MoreThe 9 Truths About Hepatitis C Treatment Success
As the medications for Hepatitis C continue to improve, greater numbers of people are relishing in their successful treatment outcomes. Despite finally being free of the Hepatitis C virus, most physicians refrain from telling their patients they are cured. The reason for avoiding this terminology is uncertainty regarding the implications of successful Hepatitis C treatment.…
Read MorePreviously Unforeseen Risk Tarnishes Hep C Wonder Drugs
The improvement in Hepatitis C treatment success marks a dramatic change in the prognosis for most Hepatitis C diagnoses. New direct-acting antiviral drugs boast viral eradication rates in the high 90th percentile, rendering hope that the Hepatitis C virus can be eradicated. Until recently, the only major obstacle surrounding these Hepatitis C medications has been…
Read MoreHepatitis C Disease – Progression and Management
Hepatitis C Disease – Progression and Management After exposure to the hepatitis C virus, the window period before antibodies can be detected using a standard test usually lasts from 2 to 26 weeks. The initial phase of hepatitis C is called acute infection. Acute HCV infection may resolve with spontaneous viral clearance, typically within 2–12 weeks.…
Read MoreWhat Is Hepatitis C Viral Load?
If you’re being treated for hepatitis C virus infection — also called HCV– your doctor is keeping track of your viral load. What is HCV viral load? Why does it matter? WebMD got answers to your most frequently asked questions about hepatitis C and viral load from two experts: Frank Anania, MD, associate professor of…
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