Worldwide 300 million people are infected with Hepatitis C.
In NZ population 0.45% of the population is positive for Hepatitis C antibodies
This is approx. 50,000 individuals - 20 - 30,000 people are still unaware of the diagnosis and need to be found so that treatment can be given to prevent severe liver disease in the future
The infection affects ethnic groups in NZ in equal proportions (in contrast to Hepatitis B). Hepatitis C is usually acquired without any symptoms (no hepatitis illness). A "carrier state" does not exist (in contrast to Hepatitis B)
>75% have a history of intravenous drug use.
This may be only 1-2 episodes of use at a teenage party.
Promoting the use of clean needles for people using injectable drugs is important to reduce new infections.
If people using injectable drugs are not already receiving assistance, they should be referred to community alcohol and drug services (CADS) and a local needle exchange service.
5% have a history of blood transfusion prior to 1992 (before routine testing of blood was commenced).
5-10% have other risk factors.
Unsterile tattooing.
There are high rates in prison inmates (presumably related to i.v drug use).
Migrants from countries with high rates (due to re-using unsterilised needles).
Regions with high HCV prevalence include Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Western and Central Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent
5-10% have no identifiable risk factors.
People cannot develop immunity to HCV. Therefore, anyone who has eradicated HCV infection either spontaneously or following antiviral treatment may be re-infected.
Lifestyle Issues
If you are considering treatment you will need to prepare for the possible impact on your lifestyle and relationships.
You could also require time off work to deal with side effects and/or need to arrange a flexible work schedule with your employer.
Personal relationships may come under pressure from mood altering side effects and disruptions to routine. A big part of preparing for treatment is preparing those who will support you so they can help you through this time.
What about alternative / complementary treatments?
There is much interest in alternative treatments such as homeopathy, herbal medicine, dietary changes, and various therapies to decrease stress. Overall the results are disappointing.
It is important to be open and frank with your GP or specialist so that appropriate decisions are made.
The current treatment is so effective with very little risk that there is no need to delay treatment or consider "natural" alternatives
The best “alternative” treatment is to:
Stop alcohol.
Lose weight.
Have a balanced diet (low fat, fresh fruit and vegetables).
However there is minimal evidence to support any other sort of dietary restriction and no evidence for any herbal treatment.
Fatty liver has a negative influence on the outcome of Hepatitis C. Therefore weight loss, a low fat diet and regular exercise and minimal or nil alcohol intake are all helpful measures in a more holistic approach because of a reduction in the degree of fatty liver.
Comments