Hepatitis B and C
Also called Viral hepatitis, HBV, HCV
Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that can cause long-term liver inflammation, cirrhosis and liver cancer, often without symptoms for years. Hepatitis C can now be cured with a short course of tablets, and hepatitis B can be controlled with long-term antiviral treatment and monitoring.
Symptoms
- Often none
- Tiredness, poor appetite
- Jaundice in active or advanced disease
How it is diagnosed
- Blood tests for HBsAg and anti-HCV
- Viral load and liver function tests
- Assessment of liver scarring
Treatment
- Hepatitis C: direct-acting antiviral tablets, usually for 12 weeks
- Hepatitis B: antiviral medicine when indicated, with regular monitoring
- Vaccination of family members against hepatitis B
Questions patients ask
Can hepatitis C be cured?
Yes. Modern antiviral tablets cure the large majority of people with hepatitis C.
Related care
Get hepatitis b and c checked
Book a consultation with Dr. Anil Kumar Mannava. No referral needed.