It is World Hepatitis C Day and experts in Wagga are using July 28 to highlight the major treatment changes, which can effectively cure the condition in eight-to-12 weeks.
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With no needles, little-to-no side effects and a cure rate of 95 per cent, patients only need to take a course of tablets after a simple visit to their GP.
Murrumbidgee Local Area Health District’s HIV and Programs Manager Alison Nikitas said the number of Australians with Hepatitis C-related liver disease has doubled in just over ten years, yet only 14 per cent of sufferers are getting treatment.
“For people who know they have Hepatitis C, there’s no reason why they cannot be living Hepatitis C free by this time next year,” Ms Nikitas said.
It’s a far cry from previous treatments, which had harsh side effects and a low cure rate.
The new tablet form gives a faster and more effective recovery and perhaps avoiding cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Ms Nikitas says a trip to the GP, a few blood tests and possibly a non-invasive liver check, will lead to a course of life-changing tablets.
“Now is the time for those people to talk to their health care provider about the new treatments,” Ms Nikitas said.
