World Hepatitis Day 2023

Hepatitis C virus, HCV is a virus that causes Hepatitis. In some cases, individuals infected with the virus, there may be no symptoms appear or only experience mild ones. However, over time, this infection can lead to severe damage, possibly resulting in cirrhosis and liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC). It can even lead to liver failure condition.

As of 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that approximately 58 million people worldwide were infected with this virus, with only 13% receiving treatment. In Thailand, based on surveys conducted in the years 2014 and 2015, the prevalence of HCV infection was found to be 0.39% and 0.7% of the population, respectively.

Who is at risk of Hepatitis C infection?

• Drug users using injection methods
• Those who underwent blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992
• Children born to mothers infected with HCV
• People who have shared equipment, that may have contact with the blood and/or secretions, with patients infected with hepatitis C
• Individuals infected with HIV or Hepatitis B virus
• Patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis of unknown cause.

How to prevent the chance of having HCV infection

• If you are in a high-risk group, recommend to have Hepatitis C Virus screening
• Use condoms consistently during sexual activity.
• Do not share syringes, tattoo needles, or body piercing needles that have been used by others.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, nail clippers.
• If you have hepatitis C, it is advisable to avoid drinking alcohol for effective treatment.

Although there have been significant advancements in Hepatitis C treatment options, including the new antiviral medications and interferon-based medications, prevention remains the most effective strategy. We, therefore, encourage everyone to receive basic screening for Hepatitis C as early detection. Because, by the time symptoms appear, significant liver damage may have already occurred.

BDMS Wellness Clinic

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LINE: @bdmswellnessclinic

รายการอ้างอิง

• World Health Organisation. Updated recommendations on treatment of adolescents and children with chronic HCV infection, and HCV simplified service delivery and diagnostics [Internet]. 2022 Oct 17 [2023 May 22]. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240052734
• ทรงยศ พิลาสันต์, พัทธรา ลีฬหวรงค์, ดิศรณ์ กุลโภคิน. โครงการสังเคราะห์ข้อเสนอเชิงนโยบายด้านงบประมาณของการใช้ยาสูตร sofosbuvir/velpatasvir ในการรักษาโรคไวรัสตับอักเสบซีเรื้อรังทุกสายพันธุ์ในประเทศไทย. นนทบุรี: สถาบันวิจัยระบบสาธารณสุข (สวรส.); 2563.
• สมาคมโรคตับแห่งประเทศไทย. แนวทางการดูแลรักษาผู้ป่วยไวรัสตับอักเสบ ซี เรื้อรัง ในประเทศไทย ปี พ.ศ. 2561. พิมพ์ครั้งที่ 1. นนทบุรี: บริษัท ภาพพิมพ์ จำกัด; 2561.