While some persons with Hepatitis C may get treated within a few weeks of being infected, most persons don’t get treatment until the infection has become chronic.
This treatment can take up to 24 weeks while your doctor conducts regular tests to make sure that your viral load has dropped to a level where it can’t be detected. You may have worked through a few side effects from the medication but your precautions may not end after your treatment. Here’s what you should know.
Your Liver Will Need To Be Assessed
A chronic Hepatitis C infection can cause scarring and inflammation of the liver. The level of impact on your liver varies based on how long you’ve had the virus. If your scarring is minimal, it’s likely that you won’t need to do any special form of treatment.
Persons with significant scarring, however, will have regular tests to check on the state of their livers. In some cases, the liver will regenerate. In others, you may need a liver transplant.
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You’ll Need To Be Cautious With Your Liver
Even if the tests on your liver show that you don’t have a lot of scarring to worry about, health professionals still advise that you take care of your liver.
That means eating well and cutting back on drinking alcohol. If you have any concerns, reach out to your doctor about having your liver re-assessed.
You’re Not Immune To Re-Infection
Just because you’ve been treated for Hepatitis C and there are antibodies in your system, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get the virus again.
Being safe is the only way to ensure that you never get re-infected and cause more damage to your system.
