Living With Hepatitis C

You may have been in a state of shock after learning you have Hepatitis C. Many questions may cloud-up in your mind such as Why me? How could I get the infection? What should I do now? It is normal if you feel that way but it is equally important to understand that with proper care and treatment Hepatitis C is curable.

Hepatitis C is considered to be cured when your blood tests do not show the Hepatitis C Virus after you have completed the treatment. So after being diagnosed with the disease, take control of your life, work towards managing the virus, and live a happy and productive life.

Here are some steps you can take to manage your Hepatitis C.^[1],^[2],^[3]

1. Prevent Further Health Complications

Hepatitis C can cause inflammation and swelling of the liver. Hence, liver cancer, and liver cirrhosis are concerns for those affected with Hepatitis C virus. To prevent these issues, don’t drink alcohol in any form, and avoid smoking and recreational drugs as they can worsen Hepatitis C. Your doctors may prescribe vitamins or supplements as well.

2. Aim For A Healthy Weight

Being overweight is linked to the build up of fatty acids in the liver. It is termed as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). So having NAFLD when you already have Hepatitis C can significantly increase your risk of liver cirrhosis. If you are overweight, attempt to lose weight by exercising and eating healthily. Activities such as brisk-walking, bicycling, aerobics, swimming can help reduce body weight.

3. Take Care Of Diet And Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet can reduce the risk of developing health complications. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables in your daily diet. Opt for whole-grain breads, grains. Avoid packaged foods that contain trans-fat. Cut down on sugary and salty foods. Avoid junk food and look after portion control. Stick to a food plan that you can follow for a long time. Have small meals after three to four hours to boost your energy levels.

4. Manage Stress

Managing stress can go a long way in managing hepatitis C. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. You can join a stress management class or practice meditation, yoga, tai chi etc. Avoid overexertion and set limits by cutting on to-do lists, saying “no”, and avoiding people who can enhance your stress. Listen to soothing music, watch motivational videos or read phrases that make you feel positive.

5. Managing Fatigue

People diagnosed with hepatitis C complain of extreme fatigue or tiredness. Hence, it is an important symptom of hepatitis C. To manage fatigue, take rest whenever you can, plan your day in advance, and keep rigorous activities for the weekend. If you find commuting to work difficult, check if you can work remotely from home during days when you feel tired.

6. Use Prescribed Medicines

Follow up with medical appointments and adhere to the medications as prescribed by the doctor. Doctors will suggest you go for regular tests to determine the viral load in the blood and understand how effective the treatment has been.

7. Reduce The Risk Of Passing To Others

Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood. It is spread by sharing needles, or transfusion of blood. It is also transmitted from an HCV-infected mother to her baby during pregnancy. Though less common, HCV can also spread by using razors or toothbrushes of an infected individual or getting a tattoo with an infected needle. It is best to exercise caution to prevent spreading the disease to others.

The revelation of Hepatitis C can be daunting. But it is possible to come out of it with proper treatment, self-care and being aware.

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