Wondering if you have the Hepatitis C virus? At Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres, we’re leading the fight against Hepatitis C. We provide same-day screening and referral to care for patients. It’s as easy as a finger poke! We have Hepatitis C treatment programs in Canada for patients across the country. Our team of expert medical professionals is here to ensure that our patients get the care they need in order to manage their illnesses and lead healthier lives. Are you ready to learn more about this virus and your treatment options? Then reach out today for more information about this innovative program!
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is a blood-borne virus, most commonly spread through sharing drug paraphernalia. Hep C is far more infectious than HIV. If left untreated, chronic Hepatitis C infection can result in serious health implications, such as cirrhosis, jaundice, or liver cancer. It’s crucial to identify and address any symptoms as soon as possible, so that appropriate treatment can be sought in order to promote healthy liver function for those infected with this virus.
Surprisingly, almost 40% of those living with Hep C are unaware, which is why screening for this public health problem critical. Knowing your Hep C status will help to eliminate the spread of the virus, and identify those who need Hepatitis C treatment. Current treatments for Hep C are over 95% effective, take only 8-12 weeks, and cause very few side effects. HCV or Hep C is one of the few chronic conditions that can be managed! If you’re looking for a cure for Hep C in Canada, treatment will focus on easing the symptoms of the virus and reversing the current damage‒—allowing patients to go on to live healthy lives.
Who Is At Risk for Hepatitis C?
People who belong to the following groups may be at an increased risk for Hepatitis C:
High Risk
- Use drugs and share needles, pipes, straws, or other equipment, or did so in the past
- Received body piercing or tattoos with non-sterile instruments
- Have been to jail
Moderate Risk
- Have or had HIV and/or Hepatitis B
- Were born to a woman with the Hepatitis C virus
- Were born outside of Canada
- Hemodialysis patients or persons who spent many years on dialysis for kidney failure
- Have multiple sexual partners at once
- Share personal hygiene products (like razors or nail clippers) with someone carrying the virus
- Have received a puncture wound from a needle or syringe
- Have or have had a sexual partner who with Hepatitis C
Low Risk
- Were born between 1955 and 1975 and were in contact with poorly sterilized medical equipment (before universal precautions and infection control procedures were adopted)
- Have had a blood transfusion before 1992, as blood donations were not tested for the Hep C virus
What Are the Symptoms of Untreated Hepatitis C?
Approximately 70% to 80% of people with acute Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms. However, some people experience symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Appetite loss
- Nauseated feelings
- Abdominal pain
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Dark urine
When Do Hepatitis C Symptoms Appear?
Many people infected with Hepatitis C do not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically develop six to seven weeks after exposure. However, symptoms can also show up as soon as two weeks or as late as six months later. If you or someone you know is searching for a cure for Hep C in Canada, good news — sometimes the virus will disappear on its own. In fact, an estimated 30% of individuals with the infection will experience a clearing of the virus within the first six months of symptoms appearing. However, if your symptoms persist, you may have a chronic infection.
What Are Hepatitis C’s Long-Term Effects?
75% of people who have Hepatitis C could potentially develop chronic liver disease or liver cancer. Long-term liver damage (cirrhosis) can affect many parts of the body, including:
- The digestive system
- The central nervous system
- The circulatory system
- Hair, skin, and nails
What Do I Need to Know About Hepatitis C Screening?
Hepatitis C is a serious global public health problem. If you believe you’ve been infected with the virus, early screening is essential in order to access appropriate treatment plans. This is particularly important for pregnant women, employees who may be exposed to the virus, and other high-risk individuals to get checked.
If you or someone you know is interested in getting screened, rest assured that the test is fast and easy. You’ll have a blood sample tested to see if it carries the antibodies that have a reaction to the Hepatitis C virus (also known as an HCV antibody test). Reactive or positive test results show that you’ve been infected with the virus. It’s important to note that a positive result doesn’t necessarily mean the virus is currently active. If you’ve ever been infected with Hepatitis C in the past, you may still have antibodies in your blood from the previous infection.
On the other hand, a non-reactive (or negative) test result means you haven’t been infected with the Hep C virus. Or, you could have had acute hepatitis previously, but it’s cleared on its own or after treatment. Either way, you aren’t currently carrying the virus—this is great news.
However, if a positive HCV antibody test does determine that the virus is present, don’t panic. The next step is getting tested to check the levels of Hep C within the body. Then, you should seek treatment so you can stop symptoms in their tracks and prevent the virus from worsening. Fortunately, there is a cure for Hep C in Canada. Hepatitis C treatment is available with us at Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (CATC). Read on to find out more!
How is Hepatitis C Treated?
Chronic Hepatitis C infection affects an estimated 58 million people globally. With advances in modern medicine, fortunately there is a cure for Hep C in Canada and other infectious diseases. However, some third world countries aren’t as lucky when it comes to the outcome of this public health problem. If you have the virus and are able to seek Hepatitis C treatment, rest assured that you’ll be able to ease your symptoms when you get medical attention.
Hepatitis C infection is most often treated through medications such as direct-acting antiviral medication, which directly target the virus and prevent it from replicating. Depending on severity and other factors, treatment plans may last anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months. At Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres, our team of expert healthcare professionals will tailor a personalized treatment plan for each individual patient with the aim of providing long-term remission for the virus infection.
How CATC Treats Patients That Have Hep C
At CATC, getting treatment for chronic Hepatitis C is easy! Our experienced care teams will assist you with everything from start to finish. If you want to know more about how it works, here’s what we can help you with:
- Initial screening
- Education and support
- Assistance with financial aid to cover the cost of your medications
- Ongoing support and follow-up in person, by phone or text message
- Access to medication (one-stop shopping)
If you are concerned that you have been exposed to the Hepatitis C infection, contact CATC right away. Treatment is effective and offers a >95% cure rate.
Learn about our innovative programs to treat Hepatitis C during the COVID-19 pandemic
Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment in Canada
Are you looking for a cure for Hep C in Canada? CATC is proud to provide Canadians with same-day screening and treatment for chronic Hepatitis C infection in Canada. Our comprehensive care program includes direct-acting antivirals to target the virus and prevent further replication, and personalized plans tailored to each individual.
If you think you may have been exposed to Hepatitis C, find our nearest clinic, call us at 1-877-937-2282 or reach out to us online via the form below to get screened today. If treatment is required, you can begin right away – often within just one week. Let us help you take control of your health today!