Much has changed since the introduction of more effective antiviral treatments for Hepatitis C (Hep C). Compared to the 1990s, where interferon was predominantly used (with woeful recovery rates and devastating side effects), the antiviral likes of Ribavirin and Daclatasvir are impressive in managing Hep C in some cases, curing it.
More interestingly, these antiviral medications (commonly administered orally) have proven to cure chronic and acute Hep C in 90% of patients. Furthermore, the majority of these patients were cured between 2-3 months after antiviral treatment.
Now, while these antiviral treatments are fantastic in curing Hep C, they flop when it comes to permanently protecting you from Hep C. As of the time of writing, the global scientific community is yet to deliver a dedicated vaccine for Hep C.
Therefore, it is no less of a nightmare getting re-infected with Hep C after managing to pull through an earlier episode. How then can you significantly reduce your chances of getting the virus again?
1. Be careful with your tattoos and piercings
Body arts are a robust part of contemporary culture. The charming tattoos and daring piercings; show you rock, right?
But you have to be highly cautious of tattoos and piercings if you have had Hep C. Why?
In tattoo operation, your skin gets punctured with needles, however tiny. Bleeding is not uncommon with such puncturing.
If someone with HCV was punctured recently with that very needle to be used on you, the Hep C transmission chances are high. This is considering the tendency of the infected blood to stay awhile on the needle.