You have been diagnosed with hepatitis C. This is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection. Hepatitis C can damage your liver without your knowing it. If you are diagnosed with long-term (chronic) hepatitis C, you should ask about treatment to get rid of the virus. There are now very effective treatments that can cure hepatitis C. Most people can be cured. Stay in regular contact with your health care provider and health care team. They can keep track of your liver for any complications. Here's what you can do to stay healthier and prevent its spread.
Home care
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Don't put stress on your liver:
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Don’t drink alcohol. Alcohol increases the risk of having cirrhosis.
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Ask your health care provider about which medicines you should not take, including over-the-counter ones.
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Lose weight if you are overweight, especially if your medical tests showed that you have a fatty liver. Control underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Exercise if your provider says it's okay.
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Eat a healthy balanced diet.
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Take medicines prescribed by your provider to try to get rid of the virus:
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To help your liver work better, you may be given certain medicines. Most hepatitis C can be cured by taking oral medicines for about 8 to 12 weeks.
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In some cases, you will also take an antiviral medicine (ribavirin) by mouth twice a day along with the other medicine.
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It's very important that you take the prescribed medicines as directed. If you have any questions about how to take the medicines, call your provider to clarify.
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Prevention
Tips to prevent spreading hepatitis C:
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Cover all skin breaks and sores by yourself. If you need help, the person treating you should wear latex gloves.
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Use condoms during sex if you have multiple sex partners.
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Don’t donate blood, plasma, sperm, body organs, or other body tissue.
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Don’t share needles.
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Don’t share razors, toothbrushes, manicure tools, or other personal items.
Follow-up care
Make a follow-up appointment as directed. If your hepatitis C has caused a lot of liver scarring, such as cirrhosis, you will need follow up or more testing even if your hepatitis C is cured.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your health care provider or get medical care right away if you have any of the following:
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Flu-like problems (tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, or sore muscles and joints)
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Swelling in your belly or soreness in the upper right part of the belly
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Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)
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Itching
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Dark yellow urine
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Black, tarry, or red stools or vomiting blood
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Confusion or trouble focusing
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Trouble sleeping
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Painful red rash on your legs
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Nerve damage
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Mental confusion
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Kidney problems
