What are the different types of hepatitis C?
Oct 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
In general, hepatitis C refers to hepatitis C virus infection, which is classified into acute and chronic hepatitis C according to the disease course. Acute hepatitis C typically occurs within 6 months after infection with the hepatitis C virus. Most patients have no obvious symptoms and present with asymptomatic, or occult, infection. If a patient develops any discomfort or symptoms, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended.
Generally, hepatitis C refers to hepatitis C virus infection, which is classified into acute hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis C based on disease duration. The details are as follows:
1. Acute Hepatitis C
Acute hepatitis C typically occurs within six months after infection with the hepatitis C virus. Most patients do not exhibit obvious symptoms and present with asymptomatic or covert infections. However, some individuals may experience decreased appetite, nausea, abdominal bloating, pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen; a few may have low-grade fever and mild liver enlargement, and some patients may develop spleen enlargement. Patients can be treated with medications such as ribavirin tablets and pegylated interferon alfa-2b injection under medical supervision.
2. Chronic Hepatitis C
Chronic hepatitis C is diagnosed when the infection lasts longer than six months. Approximately 55%–85% of acute hepatitis C cases progress to chronic hepatitis C. Most patients with chronic hepatitis C are asymptomatic or present with non-specific symptoms such as chronic fatigue and depression. It is often detected during blood donation screening or routine health examinations. Treatment under medical guidance may include drugs such as sofosbuvir tablets and daclatasvir hydrochloride tablets.
If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
