Complete Healthcare Team
Show content
Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications, including long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Understanding the symptoms, testing options, and modern treatment approaches is essential for protecting liver health and overall well-being. Complete Healthcare North Columbus provides comprehensive Hep C services with compassionate, coordinated care for all patients.
Recognizing Hep C Symptoms
Hepatitis C is a “silent” disease because many people do not experience noticeable symptoms until significant liver damage has occurred. When symptoms do appear, they may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), and unexplained weight loss. Because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, early testing is vital, especially for those at higher risk.
Individuals with a history of injection drug use, shared needles, long-term alcohol use, exposure to blood products before 1992, or abnormal liver function tests without a known cause should prioritize Hep C screening. Routine testing is now recommended for all adults aged 18 to 79 to ensure early detection.
Hep C Testing at Complete Healthcare
Hep C testing at Complete Healthcare North Columbus is simple, confidential, and patient-focused. Doctors first perform a blood test for HCV antibodies to determine whether a person has ever been exposed to the virus. If the test shows positive antibodies, they follow up with an HCV RNA test to confirm an active infection.
The medical team reviews results with patients in a clear and understandable manner, answering questions and explaining next steps. Care is coordinated with other health services, including addiction treatment and primary care, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive support throughout their journey.
Modern Hep C Treatment
Once an active Hep C infection is confirmed, effective treatment options are available. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have transformed Hepatitis C care, offering shorter, simpler, and highly tolerable regimens compared to older therapies. Treatment typically lasts 8 to 12 weeks, depending on individual needs, and cure rates often exceed 95%.
During treatment, Complete Healthcare monitors patients’ progress through regular lab tests and check-ins. This ensures the therapy is effective and allows for any necessary adjustments. After completing treatment, patients undergo testing to confirm a sustained virologic response (SVR), meaning the virus is no longer detectable, and the patient is considered cured.
Hep C Treatment During Addiction Recovery
For patients in recovery from addiction, Hep C treatment is both safe and effective. Complete Healthcare North Columbus has extensive experience co-managing care for individuals undergoing addiction treatment, ensuring that recovery and Hep C therapy can proceed simultaneously without disruption. This integrated approach supports patients’ overall health and long-term wellness.
Taking Control of Your Health
Understanding Hepatitis C, getting tested, and accessing modern treatments are crucial steps in protecting liver health and overall well-being. Complete Healthcare’s North Columbus location offers a welcoming, supportive environment where patients receive personalized care, whether they are managing chronic conditions, seeking preventive screenings, or addressing Hep C.
Early detection and treatment allow patients to take control of their health and prevent serious complications. With the expertise, compassion, and coordination offered by Complete Healthcare, individuals can confidently move forward toward improved liver health, recovery, and overall wellness.
Hepatitis C doesn’t have to define your health journey. Through proper screening, effective treatment, and ongoing support, patients can restore liver function, protect their well-being, and achieve lasting health.