Hepatitis C Is Curable — and Help Is Available in Tennessee
Many people with hepatitis C don’t know they have it. The virus can affect the liver for years before noticeable symptoms appear, which is why testing is important. The good news is that modern treatments can cure hepatitis C in most people.
LifeLine Health Tennessee provides no-cost hepatitis C testing and helps patients access appropriate treatment and available assistance programs. Insurance is not required for testing.
This article explains what hepatitis C is, how it spreads, symptoms to be aware of, how testing works, and what treatment may involve.
What Hepatitis C Does to the Body
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which affects the liver. Over time, chronic infection can cause inflammation and scarring known as fibrosis. When liver scarring becomes severe, it is called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can interfere with the liver’s ability to perform important functions.
Without appropriate treatment, chronic hepatitis C can increase the risk of serious complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Clearing the virus through appropriate treatment can prevent continued damage caused by active HCV infection, although existing liver damage may require continued medical monitoring.
How Hepatitis C Spreads
HCV is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood. It does not spread through ordinary casual contact such as hugging, sharing food, or coughing.
Sharing Injection Equipment
Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment used to prepare or inject drugs can transmit hepatitis C. Even small amounts of infected blood can potentially spread the virus. LifeLine Health provides care in a respectful, judgment-free environment and encourages anyone who may have been exposed to consider testing.
Blood Transfusions or Organ Transplants Before 1992
Routine screening of the U.S. blood supply for hepatitis C began in 1992. People who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before widespread screening may have been exposed to HCV and should discuss testing with a healthcare provider.
Needlestick Injuries
Healthcare workers and others who experience an accidental needlestick involving potentially contaminated equipment may be at risk of exposure. Appropriate medical evaluation and follow-up testing are recommended after a potential occupational exposure.
Mother-to-Child Transmission
Hepatitis C can be transmitted from a pregnant person with HCV to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth. Hepatitis C screening during pregnancy can help identify infections and allow healthcare providers to recommend appropriate follow-up care.
Other Blood Exposures
Tattoos or piercings performed with improperly sterilized or shared equipment can potentially transmit HCV. Sexual transmission is also possible, although it is generally less common than transmission through direct blood exposure.
Symptoms to Know — Acute and Chronic
Many people with hepatitis C experience few or no noticeable symptoms, particularly during the early stages of infection. When symptoms occur, they can sometimes resemble those caused by other conditions.
Acute Hepatitis C
Acute hepatitis C occurs during the initial period following infection. Many people experience no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea, vomiting, or reduced appetite
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Abdominal discomfort
Some people clear hepatitis C without treatment during the acute stage. For others, the infection becomes chronic.
Chronic Hepatitis C
Chronic hepatitis C can persist for years without obvious symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Joint or muscle discomfort
- Difficulty concentrating
- Itching
- Jaundice
Advanced Liver Damage
When chronic hepatitis C results in advanced liver disease, symptoms can become more serious. These may include abdominal swelling, confusion, gastrointestinal bleeding, or pronounced jaundice. Anyone experiencing symptoms of serious liver disease should seek appropriate medical care.
Testing: How It Works and What to Expect
Hepatitis C testing typically begins with a blood test and may involve two steps.
Step One: HCV Antibody Test
The first test looks for HCV antibodies, which your immune system produces after exposure to the virus. A reactive or positive antibody result indicates that you have been exposed to hepatitis C at some point, but it does not determine whether you currently have an active infection.
Step Two: HCV RNA Test
If HCV antibodies are detected, an HCV RNA test can determine whether the virus is currently present in your blood. A positive RNA result indicates a current hepatitis C infection.
LifeLine Health Tennessee can help coordinate the testing process and provide appropriate follow-up. Telehealth may be used for consultations, intake, results discussions, and follow-up care when appropriate, while laboratory testing requires collection of a blood sample.
You may want to consider hepatitis C testing and treatment if any of the following apply to you:
- You have a history of injection drug use
- You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
- You were born to a mother who had hepatitis C
- You experienced a needlestick injury or other potential blood exposure
- You are living with HIV
- You have never been tested and want to know your status
Current Treatment: Direct-Acting Antivirals
Direct-acting antivirals, or DAAs, are commonly used to treat hepatitis C. These medications target different stages of the hepatitis C virus lifecycle and can cure the infection in most patients.
Treatment commonly lasts 8 to 12 weeks, although the appropriate medication and treatment duration depend on individual clinical factors. Modern DAA medications are generally taken orally and are typically better tolerated than older interferon-based treatments.
Commonly Used DAA Medications
Several medications are approved for hepatitis C treatment. A healthcare provider determines which medication, if any, is appropriate based on the individual patient’s medical history and clinical circumstances. Examples include:
- Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Mavyret)
- Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (Epclusa)
- Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni)
- Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), which may be used as part of certain treatment regimens
What “Cured” Means
The goal of hepatitis C treatment is a sustained virologic response, or SVR. This means the virus remains undetectable in the blood 12 weeks or more after completing treatment. Achieving SVR is considered a cure of hepatitis C infection.
Successful treatment does not necessarily reverse existing liver damage, and some patients may require continued monitoring after the virus has been cleared.
What Shapes Your Treatment Plan
Hepatitis C treatment is individualized. Before recommending treatment, a healthcare provider may consider factors such as:
- HCV characteristics: Different hepatitis C strains and clinical circumstances can influence treatment decisions.
- Liver health: The degree of existing liver damage can affect treatment and follow-up recommendations.
- Other medications: Some medications can interact with hepatitis C treatments, so medication review is important.
- Other health conditions: Kidney disease, HIV, and other medical conditions may influence treatment decisions.
- Previous treatment: Prior hepatitis C treatment can be relevant when determining an appropriate treatment plan.
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, medications, test results, and other relevant information before recommending a treatment plan.
Monitoring Before, During, and After Treatment
Testing and follow-up are important parts of hepatitis C treatment. Before treatment, your healthcare provider may order bloodwork or other testing to evaluate your overall health and determine an appropriate treatment approach.
Follow-up during treatment depends on the individual patient and prescribed regimen. After treatment, an HCV RNA test is typically performed to determine whether sustained virologic response has been achieved.
Supporting Your Liver During and After Treatment
In addition to following your prescribed treatment plan, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes that support liver health. These can include avoiding alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active when appropriate, and attending recommended follow-up appointments.
People who inject drugs can also reduce the risk of hepatitis C transmission and reinfection by using sterile injection equipment and following other harm-reduction practices. Successfully treating hepatitis C does not create immunity, so reinfection is possible after treatment.
Getting Hepatitis C Care Through LifeLine Health Tennessee
LifeLine Health Tennessee provides hepatitis C testing at no cost to Tennessee residents. Insurance is not required for testing. Patients who are diagnosed with hepatitis C can also receive help exploring treatment options and available financial assistance programs based on eligibility.
Telehealth allows many consultations and follow-up appointments to take place remotely. Some services, including blood testing, require in-person specimen collection.
If you’ve been wondering whether you should get tested, or if you already know you have hepatitis C and want to explore treatment options, LifeLine Health can help you understand the next steps.
You can learn more about the hepatitis C testing and treatment program or contact LifeLine Health to get started.