For hepatitis c virus hcv genotype specific activity là gì

A member of the care team does transient elastography to find liver damage. This sometimes can be done instead of a liver biopsy.

Treatment

Antiviral medicines

Antiviral medicines treat hepatitis C. They're used to clear the virus from the body. The goal of treatment is to have no hepatitis C virus found in the body for at least 12 weeks after treatment ends.

Some newer antiviral medicines, called direct-acting, have better outcomes, fewer side effects and shorter treatment times. Treatment can be as short as eight weeks. The choice of medicines and length of treatment depend on the hepatitis C genotype, whether the liver is damaged, other medical conditions and earlier treatments.

Throughout treatment, the care team watches the treatment for response to the medicines and side effects. Treatment with direct-acting antiviral medicines usually lasts 12 weeks.

Due to the pace of research, treatments are changing quickly. So it's best to discuss treatment choices with a specialist.

Liver transplantation

Having a liver transplant might be an option for serious liver damage from chronic hepatitis C infection. During a liver transplant, a surgeon removes the damaged liver and replaces it with a healthy liver. Most transplanted livers come from dead donors. A small number come from living donors who donate a part of their livers.

In most cases, a liver transplant alone doesn't cure hepatitis C. The infection is likely to return. This means more treatment with antiviral medicines to prevent damage to the new liver. Several studies have shown that newer antiviral medicines cure hepatitis C after a transplant. Sometimes, the newer antivirals can cure hepatitis C before a liver transplant.

Vaccinations

There's no vaccine for hepatitis C. But a health care provider will likely recommend vaccines against the hepatitis A and B viruses. These are viruses that also can cause liver damage and make hepatitis C worse.

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Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Certain lifestyle changes can help manage hepatitis C. These measures can help keep you healthy longer and protect the health of others:

• Stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol speeds liver disease.
• Don't use medicines that might cause liver damage. Review all medicines you take with your health care provider. You might need to not take certain medicines.
• Keep others from coming in contact with your blood. Cover wounds you have. Don't share razors or toothbrushes. Don't donate blood, body organs or semen. Tell health care workers that you have the virus. Tell your partner about your infection before you have sex. Always use condoms during intercourse.

Preparing for your appointment

If you think you might be at risk of hepatitis C, see your health care provider. If you're diagnosed with a hepatitis C infection, your provider might refer you to a specialist in liver diseases, called a hepatologist, or a specialist in infectious diseases.

What you can do

Consider taking a family member or friend with you to the appointment to help you remember the information you get.