Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus, which results in abnormalities associated with the liver of infected individuals.
Advanced hepatitis symptoms are liver scarring and liver cirrhosis. Hepatitis C progresses gradually and the infected person can be asymptomatic for several months to several years. The body's immune system fights the virus; however, chronic infections need appropriate treatment. There is no hepatitis C vaccine currently available.
Hepatitis C treatment guidelines recommend that antiviral medications such as interferon and the antiviral drug ribavirin be administered for a period of 24 to 48 weeks to patients who exhibit confirmed hepatitis symptoms and persistent abnormal liver functions.
It has been noted that patients with acute infection respond better than the patients with chronic hepatitis C. The side effects of these medications are flu-like symptoms, anemia, cardiovascular abnormalities, and suicidal ideation.
New drugs under development for Hepatitis C treatment are protease inhibitors, entry inhibitors, and polymerase inhibitors. These are still in developmental stages. The protease inhibitor has reached phase III trials and is found to be more effective against Hepatitis C virus.
For more information on hepatitis C, see below:
Hepatitis C Treatment
Hepatitis C: Top Natural Supplements for Treatment
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