HCV

HCV

abbr.

hepatitis C virus

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HCV,

abbreviation for hepatitis C virus. See hepatitis C.

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HCV

1 Hepatitis C virus, see there 2. Human coronavirus. See Coronavirus.

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Patient discussion about HCV.

Q. Do I have hepatitis? I'm volunteering in a shelter for homeless people, and there are many drug addicts there. Yesterday, as I was serving them food one of the residents of the shelter (who I know to be a long term drug addict that uses heroine) coughed and expelled blood on my bare hands (apparently he had some lung disease). Do I now have hepatitis? I know that it's very common among drug addicts, and that it's transmitted through blood contact. I checked my hands and I didn't have any wounds or scratches, but I heard the virus can infect you even if you don't have any wound, is that right?

A. If I was in your situation, I'd still go to see a doctor just to make sure everything is OK, and check my status now. it's not even sure the guy had hepatitis, and even in case of needle stab, most of the people don't eventually get hepatitis.

Q. aftrer completing interferon treatment for HCV it's showing up negitive in blood test,does it get any better? I completed Interferon treatment for HCV four years ago. It has come negitive in my blood work scence. Does it get any better? I;m haveing a hard time building my stamina back up to pre treatment Is there any hope of getting it back, my strenth and stamina? I'm 65 yrs. and counting. I'd like to count a lot longer. Thak You in advance, gff

A. Unfortunately, the risk of chronic infection after an acute episode of hepatitis C is high. In most studies, 80 to 100 percent of patients remain HCV-RNA positive, and 60 to 80 percent have persistently elevated liver enzymes. The rate of spontaneous clearance of virus after it has persisted for at least six months is very low. In one study, for example, 142 HCV antibody-negative patients during eight years of follow-up, showed seroconversion (going from negative to positive) in 30 percent. You should keep getting tested on a regular basis, and hopefully your antibodies will remain negative. Meanwhile focus on living a otherwise healthy life. If you eat properyly and exercise often you can bulid up some energy that you feel you've lost.