Baby Boomers Are Especially Vulnerable
The hepatitis C virus didnt have a name or a screening test until in 1989, Reau says. That means people born between 1945 and 1965, the group referred to as baby boomers, are at highest risk of infection. They grew up before health care facilities started taking standard precautions, like not sharing vials of medicine among patients and requiring staff to wear gloves.
The CDC reports that baby boomers are five times more likely to have Hepatitis C than other adults, accounting for 75% of those living with the disease.
These are some other reasons you may be at risk:
- You have engaged in high-risk behaviors like IV drug use or unprotected sex
- Your biological mother has/had hepatitis C
- You received blood transfusions, an organ transplant or dialysis before 1989
- You were or are currently incarcerated
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Who Should Get Tested
You should consider getting tested for hepatitis C if you’re worried you could have been infected or you fall into one of the groups at an increased risk of being infected.
- Hepatitis C often has no symptoms, so you may still be infected if you feel healthy.
- The following groups of people are at an increased risk of hepatitis C:
- ex-drug users and current drug users, particularly users of injected drugs
- people who received blood transfusions before September 1991
- recipients of organ or tissue transplants before 1992
- people who have lived or had medical treatment in an area where hepatitis C is common high risk areas include North Africa, the Middle East and Central and East Asia
- babies and children whose mothers have hepatitis C
- anyone accidentally exposed to the virus, such as health workers
- people who have received a tattoo or piercing where equipment may not have been properly sterilised
- sexual partners of people with hepatitis C
If you continue to engage in high-risk activities, such as injecting drugs frequently, regular testing may be recommended. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.
Best Treatments For Hepatitis
Hepatitis is categorized into A, B and C types which are caused by hepatitis virus A, B and C respectively. Some rare categories of hepatitis include hepatitis D, E and autoimmune hepatitis.
Interferon Therapy
One kind of treatment for hepatitis involves the interferon therapy. Interferon is a cytokine which the bodys immune system produces naturally in order to fight off a viral infection. The interferon protein used for hepatitis treatment is slightly different. There are three kinds of interferon that the body produces alpha, beta and gamma. The alpha interferon has been approved for therapeutic use against hepatitis B and C. Interferon is usually administered through sub-cutaneous route.
Treatment by Immunization Against Hepatitis A
Vaccination against hepatitis A is quite necessary. Immunization is carried out by injecting immune serum globulin to prevent hepatitis A. It is also effective in a person who is exposed to the hepatitis A virus if injected within 2 weeks of exposure.
Hepatitis B Immune Globulin
For the one who is exposed to the hepatitis B virus, getting hepatitis B immune globulin can help to prevent the virus from causing any harm to liver and thus preventing hepatitis. It is not a vaccine and so will not provide long term resistance.
Liver Transplant
Due to chronic hepatitis, liver failure can occur. Then the only treatment option that remains is liver transplantation.
Reishi Mushroom
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When To Seek Medical Advice
See your GP if you persistently have any of the later symptoms above, or if they keep returning. They may recommend having a blood test that can check for hepatitis C. Read more about diagnosing hepatitis C.
None of the symptoms above mean you definitely have hepatitis C, but it’s important to get them checked out.
You should also speak to your GP about getting tested if there’s a risk you’re infected, even if you don’t have any symptoms. This particularly includes people who inject drugs or have done so in the past.
Read about the causes of hepatitis C for more information about who’s at risk of having the infection.
Natural Ways To Prevent & Help Treat Hepatitis A
Luckily, there are a few natural ways to prevent, and also help treat, hepatitis A. These options range from dietary choices to stress management to strategies to help avoid contracting the disease in the first place.
1. Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet
The term hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. One of the most important actions to take to help treat the symptoms of hepatitis A is sticking to a clean, well-balanced and anti-inflammatory diet. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can help to regulate your immune system and allow your body to heal quickly. These foods are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats that are vital for your bodys recovery.
Heres a breakdown of the foods that you should be consuming on a daily basis, especially as your body is recovering from an infection like hepatitis A:
- green leafy vegetables, including kale, spinach and Swiss chard
- fresh vegetables, like broccoli, cabbage, celery and beets
- root vegetables, like sweet potatoes and carrots
- fresh fruit, especially blueberries, pineapple and citrus fruits
- organic meat and wild fish
- nuts and seeds, especially walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds and flaxseeds
- anti-inflammatory spices, like turmeric, cayenne and ginger
- healthy fats, especially avocados, ghee, coconut oil and olive oil
- probiotic-rich yogurt and kefir
- gluten-free grains like quinoa, brown rice, oats and millet
2. Stay Hydrated
3. Get Plenty of Rest and Reduce Stress
4. Try Peppermint Oil
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Eat A Healthy And Well Balanced Diet
One of the most important ways for a person with hepatitis B to live a longer, healthier life is to focus on maintaining an adequate nutritional balance with a whole foods and anti-inflammatory diet. Eating foods that contain chlorophyll can also be beneficial for reducing oxidative stress and liver damage. Some of the most beneficial, detoxifying, liver-cleansing and cancer-fighting foods include :
Hepatitis C And Injecting Drugs
If you inject drugs, avoid sharing needles, syringes or other equipment such as tourniquets, spoons, swabs or water.
Where possible, always use sterile needles and syringes. These are available free of charge from needle and syringe programs and some pharmacists. To find out where you can obtain free needles, syringes and other injecting equipment, contact DirectLine
Try to wash your hands before and after injecting. If you cant do this, use hand sanitiser or alcohol swabs from a needle and syringe program service.
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Natural Treatments To Manage Hepatitis B Symptoms
1. Eat a Healthy and Well Balanced Diet
One of the most important ways for a person with hepatitis B to live a longer, healthier life is to focus on maintaining an adequate nutritional balance with a whole foods and anti-inflammatory diet. Eating foods that contain chlorophyllcan also be beneficial for reducing oxidative stress and liver damage. Some of the most beneficial, detoxifying, liver-cleansing and cancer-fighting foods include :
- Leafy green vegetables, like spinach, kale, arugula, collard greens and romaine lettuce
- Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts
- Root vegetables, like carrots, sweet potatoes, beets and butternut squash
- Fresh fruit, especially blueberries, strawberries, goji berries and citrus fruits
- Fresh herbs, like basil, parsley, oregano and ginger
- Organic meat and wild-caught fish
- Grass-fed cattle or chicken liver
- Probiotic dairy, like kefir, cottage cheese and yogurt
- Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds
- Unrefined oils, such as healthy coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil
2. Avoid Inflammatory Foods and Drinks
3. Stay Hydrated
6. Boost your Glutathione Levels
Cesium Chloride Density Gradient Centrifugation
HBV enveloped particles were purified by equilibrium centrifugation in cesium chloride density gradients. Briefly, 500 µl of culture supernatant was layered onto CsCl gradients and centrifuged for 20 h in a SW40 rotor at 50,000 rpm. The resultant fractions were collected from the top of the tube. The fractions containing both HBsAg and HBV DNA were considered as Dane particle fractions.
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Natural Cure For Hepatitis C
Licorice Roots
The Glycyrrhetinin acid present in the licorice roots has great anti inflammatory and anti viral properties. Regular usage of these roots not only reduces the inflammation of liver cells, but also makes the HCV less ferocious, thereby slowing down its degenerative activity.
Eclipta Alba / Bhringraj
Bhringraj or Eclipta alba is the herb that has been used in traditional Indian ayurvedic medicines since ancient times. This herb possesses several medicinal qualities, and one of them is its ability to induce cell regeneration.
This herb can be given to hepatitis C patients to induce regeneration of the cells that have been damaged by hepatitis C virus or HCV, thereby, initiating their healing process.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is known to be one of the most effective herbs against hepatitis C. This herb is not used to provide complete treatment for hepatitis C, but to minimize the level of damage caused by HCV.
The scientific name of this herb is Silybum marianum, which is a native of Europe, but is grown in many parts of US. The main ingredient of this plant is Silymarine, found in its fruits, which is responsible for most of its medicinal properties.
Silymarine promotes the growth of hepatocytes, the most active cells present in liver, thus, helping in regeneration of the liver tissues. Silymarine acts as an anti-oxidant agent to prevent oxidation of liver cells, and protects them from damage.
What Are The Best Home Remedies For Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a serious medical condition, consult your doctor before attempting any homeopathic remedies such as vitamins, supplements, or tinctures. Some home remedies could interfere with hepatitis C treatments or medication, so be sure you are following your recommended protocol, doses, and regimens.
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Criteria For Considering Studies For This Review
Types of studies
Randomised clinical trials were included irrespective of blinding, publication status, and language. Quasirandomised trials and historically controlled clinical trials were excluded.
Types of participants
Male or female patients, of any age or ethnic origin, who had HCV infection . Acute hepatitis C is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and nausea, along with marked increases in serum alanine aminotransferase and presence of antiHCV or de novo development of antiHCV. The diagnosis is confirmed by the finding of HCV RNA in serum. Chronic hepatitis C is diagnosed by elevated or recurrent fluctuating serum ALT levels and HCV RNA positivity lasting more than six months with or without symptoms, and with or without liver biopsy confirmation. Trials in populations with coinfection of HCV with human immune deficiency virus were excluded, but patients co infected with hepatitis B were included.
Types of interventions
Medicinal herbs were compared with no intervention, placebo, nonspecific interventions like vitamins, other medicinal herbs, or IFN and/or ribavirin. Trials of medicinal herbs plus IFN and/or ribavirin versus IFN and/or ribavirin alone were also included. Cointerventions were allowed as long as both arms of the randomised allocation received the same cointervention.
Types of outcome measures
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Precautions: Hepatitis B Natural Treatment And Diet
If you have chronic hepatitis B and symptoms of acute or chronic liver disease, do not use herbal supplements without consulting with your healthcare provider or nutritionist first. These supplements must pass through the liver. They can cause more damage if you dont take them correctly. Always alter your diet and lifestyle first. Make sure to eat whole foods that will help to reduce inflammation and support your liver. If you drink alcohol or do drugs, quit immediately that should be your first line of defense.
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Hepatitis B Definition: Hepatitis B Natural Treatment And Diet
Known as HBV or hep B) Hepatitis is a potentially life-threatening viral infection that affects the liver. The name comes from the Greek word hêpar, meaning liver and itis, which means inflammation in Greek. The infection can lead to acute or chronic liver disease, or even death. Approximately 1,800 people die every year from hepatitis B-related liver disease. The hepatitis B virus is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family. Its a small DNA virus that has unusual features, similar to retroviruses like HIV. The virus is able to persist in infected cells, allowing it to replicate and cause a chronic condition.
The danger of hepatitis B is that an acute infection can become chronic and lead to a wide spectrum of liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer .
Do You Need Resources To Help Spread Awareness About Hep C Use These
NY Cures Hep C Tool Kit. The only way NY can eliminate hep C is if New Yorkers help us to spread the word. Use this multi-media tool kit to promote hep C awareness, prevention, and treatment in New York State.
Hold a Cure Day. New York State Hepatitis C Cure Day is an annual event during May for National Hepatitis Awareness Month. Cure Day is an opportunity to celebrate those cured of hep C, encourage those at risk to be tested, and motivate patients to initiate or continue their treatment. Use the Cure Day Tool Kit to host, promote and celebrate Hepatitis C Cure Day.
Educational and Promotional Materials. View, print and order from a selection of hep C posters, fact sheets, palm cards, counseling pads, and other materials available from the New York State Department of Health.
Baby boomer testing law. Did you know baby boomers are five times more likely to have hep C? The NYS Hepatitis C Testing Law requires a hep C screening test to be offered to every individual born between 1945 and 1965. If you are a baby boomer and haven’t been tested, speak to your doctor about getting tested.
If you are considering treatment or you have already been cured, celebrate your cure with your friends and family. Share your story with your peers and people you know may be at risk for hep C. Share your story online with #NYCuresHepC and tell us how hep C has affected your life. Your story could motivate others to get tested or seek treatment.
NY Cures Hep C
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Hepatitis C And Health
How can health-care personnel avoid exposure to HCV?
Avoiding occupational exposure to blood is the primary way to prevent transmission of bloodborne illnesses among health-care personnel. To promote blood safety in the workplace, health-care personnel should consult infectious-disease control guidance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and from CDC. Depending on the medical procedure involved, Standard Precautions may include the appropriate use of personal protective equipment .
What is the risk of acquiring hepatitis C after being accidentally exposed to HCV-contaminated blood or body fluids in the workplace?
Although sharps injuries have decreased in recent decades due to improved prevention measures, they continue to occur, placing health-care personnel at risk for several bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis C. A recent analysis of several studies revealed an overall 0.2% risk for infection among those exposed to HCV-antibody-positive blood through needlestick or sharps injuries . Updated guidelines for management and treatment of hepatitis Cexternal icon are available to provide guidance for health-care personnel who become infected via exposure to contaminated blood at the workplace.
Other than needlesticks, do other exposures place health-care personnel at risk for hepatitis C?
Should HCV-infected health-care personnel be restricted in their work?
Hepatitis C: A Silent Baby Boomer Killer
If you were born between 1945 and 1965, I have some tough news to break to you theres a roughly 1 in 30 chance you have hepatitis C. That might not sound like huge chance, but it means more than 2.5 million Baby Boomers are infected. Whats worse, many Baby Boomers dont even know they have it because hepatitis C isnt predicated by strong, identifiable symptoms. Thats why, especially if you fall into the Boomer pool, its vital that you get tested immediately. Because, even if you do have it, there are simple, drug-free ways to cure symptoms and prevent the disease from spreading.
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Treatment Of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is treated with antiviral medications that aim to clear the virus from your body.
New all-tablet treatments have greatly improved the outcomes for people with hepatitis C. These treatments can cure more than 95% of individuals with chronic hepatitis C. There are several new tablets that are used in combination to treat all hepatitis C strains . They are effective for people with no liver damage and those who have more advanced liver damage or cirrhosis.
These new tablet medications are available and subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and can be prescribed by specialists, general practitioners and specialised nurse practitioners.
There are no restrictions on accessing treatment it is available for all adults with a Medicare card. People under 18 are able to access treatment and it is recommended they are referred to a pediatrician experienced in the treatment of hepatitis C.
For more information on the new medications for the treatment of hepatitis C, see our video: Hepatitis C Cure what it means for Victorians.
If your doctor does not know about the new treatments, you can call the LiverLine on for information, and to find a GP who can help you.
Talk with your doctor about treatment options and the potential for interactions with other medications, herbal preparations and other drugs. If you take prescribed medication this will be managed so you can access treatment.
In general, if you have hepatitis C you will feel better if you: