Hepatits C

Hepatitis C is one of the most common viral infections in the United States and is curable if caught early. At Reza Health in Jacksonville, Florida, we offer testing and treatment for hepatitis C. If you have concerns about hepatitis C, we can provide the care you need. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.

What is hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes liver inflammation. The virus may cause acute or chronic infection.
 

Acute hepatitis C

Acute hepatitis C is a short-term illness that lasts about six months. The body sometimes fights off the virus, and the infection goes away. However, most people with acute hepatitis develop chronic hepatitis.
 

Chronic hepatitis C

Chronic hepatitis C is a long-term infection. When left untreated, the virus damages the liver, causing cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver cancer, or death.

Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C can reduce your risk of liver damage.
 

Who is at risk of getting hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C spreads through blood contact. Risk factors include:

Sharing needles

Getting tattoos with poorly sterilized tools

Sharing razors or toothbrushes

Having unprotected sex with someone who has hepatitis C

Having more than one sexual partner in a six-month period

Testing positive for a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

People with HIV are also at greater risk of getting hepatitis C, as well as men who have sex with men.
 

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

You can have hepatitis C and not have any symptoms. However, people with acute hepatitis C may have symptoms during the first three months of their infection, such as:

Urine that’s darker in color

Stool that’s gray or pale

Fatigue

Poor appetite

Joint pain

Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)

Abdominal pain

Nausea and vomiting

If you have chronic hepatitis C, you may not have any symptoms until there’s severe liver damage, which occurs years after your initial infection.

We'll run a blood test to screen for hepatitis C if you have symptoms or you’re at risk of getting the infection.
 

What are the treatments for hepatitis C?

Your provider will prescribe antiviral medications to treat hepatitis C. These medications attack and destroy the virus, curing you of the infection and preventing complications.

If you test positive for hepatitis C and your infection is in the acute stage, we may wait to see if your body fights off the infection before prescribing the antiviral drugs.

You take the antiviral medications anywhere from 8-24 weeks. Your provider may have you come into the office regularly for monitoring and routine blood tests to see how well the medication is working.

To get tested and treated for hepatitis C, call Reza Health or schedule an appointment online today.