Hepatitis C

The majority infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) do not have any symptoms. They may appear later, taking about 15 to 150 days to develop. Occasionally an individual will not develop any symptoms and the immune system will successfully clear the virus. Viral clearance rates are highly variable. An infected person without symptoms can still act as a carrier and pass on the virus. DO's Have a liver function test (LFT) to assess the working of the liver. Have liver biopsy (examination of tissue or liquid to determine the existence or cause of a disease). A fine hollow needle is passed through the skin into the liver to collect the sample and assess the amount of liver damage (inflammation, scarring, and cirrhosis). People with positive anti-HCV antibody tests must undergo additional testing to know the presence of the hepatitis C virus. Go through regular blood tests and check-ups. Undergo treatment that combines the antiviral drugs interferon and ribavirin. These drugs m...