Sexual transmission is possible, but rare. If there is no blood-to-blood contact, the risk is very low. Sexual relationships including anal penetrations, fisting, bare-backing and sado-masochism are more at risk.

Persons under the influence of drugs are more at risk : pain can be lessened or not felt at all, so you can have injuries and blood without realizing it.

It is said that hepatitis C is a silent disease, because often the only symptom is low energy and tiredness or asymptomatic. The inflamation can still leads to serious issues like :

• fibrosis
• cirrhosis
• liver cancer

There are some extra-hepatic symptoms :

• skin problems
• joints pain
• depression
• extreme mood swings
• cryoglobulinemia

Most people (80% experience fatigue and a lack energy. Other symptoms may include sore muscles and joints, skin problems, cryoglobulinemia, irritability, night sweats, nausea, etc.

It causes lesions that prevent the liver from doing its normal work. Since the liver is an organ that suffers in silence, you may not be aware of the damage being done to your liver.

Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by fibrosis and liver lesions. The growth of these lesions leads to the death of liver cells, eventually resulting in liver cancer.

Enzymes are biological catalysts. Enzyme levels are an important indicator of a damaged or diseased liver. High enzyme levels are normally an indication that the liver has sustained a certain amount of damage. They are also an indication that the HCV virus is present.

No. The hepatitis C virus does not sleep! A number of factors may cause enzyme levels to fluctuate, including alcohol, streets drugs and prescription medication; however, enzyme levels are not indicative of the seriousness of the lesions. It is possible the have normal enzyme levels and still have significant lever damage.

No. But the genotype you have is important because the treatment is successful in different percentages for each genotype. Also, the number of months required for treatment differs according to genotype.

New pangenotypic treatments (for all genotypes)  appeared on the market in 2017. It is possible that eventually the genotype will be irrelevent.

The first test is an antibody blood test. If there are antibodies, then you need to have a second test for the ARN, to be sure the virus is still present, since 25 to 40% of people cure on their own with the antibodies. For the majority of people, though, the infection become chronic.

Yes, if you are in the 25 to 40% of people that cure on their own. The antibodies can stay and be detected for a long time after, even for the rest of your life..

No vaccine exist for now. But hepatitis C is treatable and curable, with a cure pourcentage close to 100%!

Vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B, often offered at the same time under the brand name Twinrix.

Yes, in the first 6 to 12 months there is 25 to 40% probability that antibodies eliminate the virus. If not, it becomes chronic and the cure is onlu through medical treatment.

Interferon isn’t used anymore. New DAA (direct-acting antivirals) treatments don’t have interferon anymore. Ribavirine is still offered for patients with advanced cirrhosis.

New treatments are DAA, direct-acting antivirals. Known brands in Quebec are Epclusa, Harvoni, Maviret, Vosevi, Zépatier.

New treatments work directly against the virus cells and are thus a lot more effective, with practically no side effects. As they’re more effective, treatments are quicker, with higher rates of success (from 8 to 16 weeks depending of the case).

There is practically no side effects. What is often reported is, like most medecines or antibiotics, body responses like fatigue, headache, nausea or dry mouth.

Just because the label says « natural » doesn’t mean the product is harmless. Be very careful. These products must also be « processed » by your liver, and they may be toxic or cause interactions with your medication. You absolutely need to ask your doctor before you take any « natural products » or « over-the-counter medications ».What is written on the product label doesn’t necessarily tell you what’s inside the bottle. Be very careful. There is no such thing as a « magical natural product » that will cure your infection!

There are vely little risks if there is no blood-to-blood contacts. Be careful not to share hygiene objects like a toothbrush, razors, nail clippers, etc.

Vertical transmission (from mother to child through birth) is 5% (or 35% if you also have HIV). You cannot have treatment during pregnancy. If you had ribavirine, it is also recommended to use protection 6 months after, because it can cause birth malformations. This is valid whatever person of the couple has had the treatment.

It’s the rule of common sense and moderation. The priority is to go easy on the liver. No excess, varied menus and physical activity as much as you can. Drinking a lot of water during treatment can help with most side effects. If there is no particular diet recommended, there are some essentials to keep in mind :

• Avoid toxins : alcohol, tobaccoe, drugs, food poisoning.
• Reduce sugar and fat. It’s not aboit eliminating it, but about having it in moderation.
• To have more energy (especially if you have fatigue or during treatment), try to have more complex carbohydrates (or natural sugar) by eating whole grains products, more fruits and vegetables. Fibers (which are also present in most of those food) help with natural insuline and digestion. You’ll feel more full and have better intestinal health. But to be sure for it to work, you have to drink at least a liter and half of water per day. Fibers are also present in legumes, beans and peas, nuts, psyllium, etc.
• Animal proteins (meats, fish and sea food, dairy products) and vegetal proteins (legumes, beans, peas, whole grains, nuts, tofu, soy) help the immune system to fight infections and the liver to regenerate itself.
• Fat and sugar are present in high quantity in chips, crisps and other candies. Try to eat none or the less you can.
• Be careful of sodas, fruit drinks and even frui juices as most juices have as much sugar as sodas and none of the fibers and less nutrients than eating the whole fruit.

And also, try to spend more energy than you consume and lose some weight if you have a weight problem.

Eating is a pleasure of life, do not prive yourself. Be reasonnable and know an occasionnal excess or treat is permitted for everyone.