Firstly, you don't necessarily have to live with this illness because there is effective treatment available to eradicate the virus. This oral treatment has little side effect and is active against all the sub-types of hepatitis C virus such that failure to response is rare unless under very special circumstances. The biggest issue for most patients is the exorbitant price tag of the medicine.
In general, most adult who contracted hepatitis C will continue to have the virus circulating in their system. Unlike hepatitis A or B, most hepatitis C infection is clinically subtle without any signs of symptoms. In some cases, the only abnormal finding leading to the discovery of hepatitis C infection is an abnormal liver function test. In the advanced stage, liver hardening can occur and liver cancer may develop.
If for any reason you are not keen or not able to receive treatment, you should still get regular follow-up with your doctor to monitor your liver status. Avoid consuming excessive alcohol and other medicine that may potentially harm your liver further. You should not donate blood and should inform your doctor or dentist about this infection whenever you receive any treatment from them so that they can provide you with better attention.
- Dr Quan
