Acute vs. Chronic Hepatitis C: What is the Difference?

When you have hepatitis C, a manageable viral disease, our professional team at Health Services of North Texas can help. Our health centers have an experienced infectious disease management team that offers confidential hepatitis C treatment. Our goal is to help our patients live a healthy and active life, regardless of whether or not they have hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a disease that is primarily contracted through the blood. Regardless of how someone contracted hepatitis C, there is hope and, in most of the cases we see, the possibility of a cure with medication. Our team can help you understand the differences between acute hepatitis c vs. chronic hepatitis c and how each is treated effectively.

Acute hepatitis c vs chronic hepatitis c

Hepatitis C is divided into two types based on how long you’ve had it:

• Acute: This is the early stage when a patient has only had hepatitis for six months or less.

• Chronic: This long-term type means that you’ve had it for over six months. Most people will develop into the chronic form.

At Health Services of North Texas, we will recommend treatment based on the type of hepatitis C you have. Whether you have acute or chronic hepatitis C, the symptoms can be life-altering. This is because it directly affects how your liver functions. Over time, hepatitis C can damage your liver beyond repair, which is why treatment is so important. Chronic hepatitis C is also a major risk of liver cancer. In the U.S., hepatitis C accounts for one-third of the cases of hepatocellular carcinoma.

To qualify for case management, you will need to schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers at our Denton, Wylie, or Plano office. We can then make an informed decision on what type of services will benefit your health best.

Symptoms of hepatitis C

Each patient with hepatitis C is important to us at Health Services of North Texas. Symptoms can be subtle, but over time, the hepatitis C virus can destruct and damage the liver. Some of the most commons symptoms that your body is fighting the hepatitis C virus are:

• Pain in the abdomen, usually the upper right side

• Jaundice in the whites of eyes and skin

• Fatigue

• Joint pain

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Discolored or darker urine than normal

Even if you have been cleared from the hepatitis C virus before, this does not mean you cannot become reinfected. It’s essential to always be aware of your hepatitis C status to prevent its spread in your local area.

Hepatitis C treatment

For those who have been recently diagnosed, we can help you learn how to care for yourself. We can give you medication to treat your hepatitis c and to slow liver disease progression. We also help you navigate your appointments for treatment to ensure you recover. For patients with chronic hepatitis C, we will focus on slowing the progression of liver damage. Comprehensive medical support is essential for you to feel your best throughout this process.

Live a healthy life with acute or chronic hepatitis C

When you have a long-term viral infection, such as hepatitis C, it can be hard to manage on your own. At Health Services of North Texas, our experienced team can help those with a hepatitis C diagnosis get the treatment they need. Our infectious disease case managers can help determine which treatment will work best for you. Call to schedule a confidential appointment at one of our locations in Denton, or Plano, TX. You can also request an appointment on our website. We offer our services on a sliding fee scale for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or who don’t have the money to pay. Never delay care due to financial concerns. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most major insurances.