Frequently Asked Questions
Use the search field below to find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions posted by the Editors at Hepatitis-Central.com. If you cannot find the information you are seeking, visit our contact form.
However, please note, that we are not medical advisors. Any medical questions you have about your personal condition and treatment options should be directed to your personal health care provider.
Top Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions
A friend of mine recently found out they have Hepatitis C. Can I catch it? I recently had a baby, is she at risk?
Can Hepatitis C be transmitted through sex? Will I give Hepatitis C to my husband/wife?
Hepatitis C individuals in long-term monogamous relationships rarely transmit the virus to their partners. Around 2% of sexual partners of Hepatitis C infected people test positive for Hepatitis. But, it is unknown whether these people contracted the virus from their partners during intimacy, or through some other route.
Does a high viral load mean that I am very sick with Hepatitis C? My viral count recently went from 500,000 to 8 million.
There normally is fluctuation in viral load levels with Hepatitis C but there is no table or graph that demonstrates what normal fluctuation is.
We have spoken to people with viral counts totalling 30 million who feel great, and people with viral counts of 200,000 that can't get out of bed.
The only true reflections of possible liver compromise are fibrosis markers - determined either by liver biopsy or specialized blood tests.
Will I die from Hepatitis C?
Where can I go to talk with others that have Hepatitis C?
Do you know of any way I can finance some of my hepatitis testing?
To apply for this program you would complete an application, and often provide proof of income, but if you qualify, this program may cover blood tests and ultrasound up to $1000. Contact your local hospitals for more details.
Also if you are in Texas, the Texas Liver Coalition offers free hepatitis B & C testing and the PCR confirmatory test, education, literature, and resources to possibly get treated. Visit http://www.texasliver.org/ for more information.
How can I find a clinical trial in my area?
Visit www.clinicaltrials.gov and type "hepatitis C" into the search field on the main page.A listing of all current clinical trials testing medications for hepatitis C will appear. To find out more information about any given trial, click on the title for expanded details, as well as the criteria for participating.
Can herbal or nutritional supplements eliminate the Hepatitis C virus?
We have seen no evidence that shows that an herbal or nutritional supplement can eliminate the Hepatitis C virus. Companies that sell products that claim to 'cure Hepatitis C' are lying to you. However, many people choose to take advantage of the many benefits of alternative therapies, including supplements, to manage and support their health and well-being. Supplements offer people the ability to support and improve liver health and function, as well as the ability to manage the unwanted symptoms associated with a compromised liver. For more information about the benefits of alternative therapies, click here.
Why and how does milk thistle protect the liver?
Milk thistle is the #1 researched and recommended herb for liver health. Besides being a powerful antioxidant, milk thistle protects the cells of the liver by blocking the entrance of harmful toxins and helping remove these toxins from the liver, by fighting free radicals, increasing glutathione levels, and stimulating protein synthesis in hepatic cells. Furthermore, milk thistle not only protects your liver from future damage, but also has the ability to regenerate healthy liver cells to repair past damage,
The therapeutic value of milk thistle has been confirmed by intensive chemical, pharmacological and clinical research, not only for a wide range of liver-related conditions including the ones stated above, but also for non-liver-related conditions as well. However, before taking any milk thistle supplement, research should be done into the types of milk thistle and their varying absorption rates and effectiveness. For more information on the benefits of milk thistle and what to look for, click here.
Why does the Hepatitis-Central.com site have so much information on Hepatitis C and not Hepatitis A or B?
Site Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of our most commonly asked questions and our answers to them.
What Is Hepatitis C?
Learn about the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
Hepatitis C Transmission
Information about the transmission of Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C Symptoms
You'll find links to a comprehensive symptoms list, as well as various studies and discussions about Hepatitis C symptoms.
Hepatitis C Conventional Treatment
Learn about the conventional medical treatments used to fight Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C Medicines
Numerous links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of Ribavirin/Rebetron medicines.
Hepatitis C Natural Remedies
A number of herbal products useful in the management of liver disease.
Hepatitis Central News Signup
Receive the latest news on hepatitis treatments, clinical trials, social issues and important breakthroughs.
Hepatitis C Genotypes
Learn about Hepatitis C Genotypes and their variants.
Hepatitis C Doctors
A state-by-state and worldwide reference listing physicians who treat HCV, including an email link to submit your physician for inclusion.
Hepatitis C Links
Convenient links to other sites external to Hepatitis-Central.
Hepatitis C Forum
A Bulletin Board for discussions on hepatitis, treatments, etc.
Hepatitis C Activism
An easy way to get involved in urging our government to do more for Hepatitis C awareness and treatment research.
Hepatitis B
Numerous links to various Hepatitis B related information, including transmission, symptoms and treatment.
Biopsy Information
A comprehensive resource of information relating to the liver biopsy.
Cirrhosis
Many discussions and analyses of cirrhosis, including causes, complications, pathology, symptoms, and much more.
Glossary
Commonly used medical terms and definitions.
Lab Tests
What they are and what they mean. Helps you interpret & understand all the various hepatitis lab tests likely to be encountered.
Liver Cancer
Liver Cancer/Hepatocellular Carcinoma studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis.
Liver Disease and Drugs
An exhaustive list of links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of the various drugs used to treat liver disease.
Viral Load
Provides detailed information on how to analyze and interpret viral load numbers as well as a link to a convenient Viral Load Chart.
What is...?
Learn more about various Hepatitis C related topics, including HCV, Ascites, Biopsies, and much more.
Hepatitis C Books
Recommended reading for those interested in hepatitis information.
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