Hepatitis C

Question 1

how is it transmitted

Answer 1

RNA virus transmitted via blood-blood and sexual intercourse

Question 2

does it develop chronic liver disease

Answer 2

yes

Question 3

is it most common in UK

Answer 3

yes

Question 4

what is incubation period

Answer 4

short (2 weeks - 6 months)

Question 5

what is common cause

Answer 5

herpes simplex virus

Question 6

what are symptoms

Answer 6

mild/absent
10% have mild flu like illness with jaundice and raised AST, ALT
may have pronounced fatigue

Question 7

how is it diagnosed

Answer 7

Hep C Ab + DNA

Question 8

how is it treated

Answer 8

IFNa

antivirals

Question 9

what antivirals used

Answer 9

peginterferon, ribavirin

Question 10

what is side effect of PEG

Answer 10

flu like symptoms, thyroid and autoimmune disease

Question 11

what is side effect of ribavirin

Answer 11

anaemia

Question 12

what is outcome

Answer 12

chronic infection (75%)
cirrhosis
resolution