HEPATITIS C
Hepatitis C in a nutshell
Discovered in 1989, it is a fact that the virus is transmitted mainly through the bloodstream, even if sexual transmission exists. Most often discovered by chance, hepatitis C virus infection is not discovered until late when the disease has become chronic. Only 20% of affected individuals recover before the disease becomes chronic, during the acute phase.
Today, existing treatments allow for the effective management of affected individuals with high cure rates.
HEPATITIS C IS AN INFECTIOUS LIVER DISEASE CAUSED BY THE HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) THAT BELONGS TO THE FLAVIVIRIDAE FAMILY.
Acute infection occurs after an incubation period of 7 weeks on average, but it can occur as early as the second week and up to 6 months after contamination. In 90% of cases, the acute infection is asymptomatic. The infection becomes chronic in 55% to 85% of cases and progresses in 20% of cases to Cirrhosis. It is now considered that 65% of HIV-positive patients have a Chronic infection.