by A recent study published in PLOS ONE, coauthored by Dr. Karthik Gnanapandithan, a distinguished hospitalist at Mayo Clinic, sheds light on the alarming issue of undiagnosed hepatitis C infections in the United States. The study indicates that approximately 2 to 3 million Americans are currently living with the hepatitis C virus, with a significant portion of them unaware of their infection. This lack of awareness is attributed to the virus often being asymptomatic during the initial stages, only manifesting symptoms years later when serious liver damage occurs.
According to the findings, nearly 40% of individuals with hepatitis C in the U.S. are oblivious to their condition, amounting to roughly 800,000 people. This ignorance can have grave consequences as untreated hepatitis C can lead to severe liver inflammation, permanent damage, fibrosis, and even liver failure. Dr. Gnanapandithan warns that as the liver loses its functionality, toxins build up in the body, affecting other organs as well. Timely treatment is crucial to prevent the progression of the disease to a point where a liver transplant becomes necessary, or further complications arise.
Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, commonly occurring through the sharing of contaminated needles among intravenous drug users or through sexual contact. Dr. Gnanapandithan emphasizes that hepatitis C is entirely curable with proper treatment, highlighting that a combination of two medications administered over an eight-to-12-week period is highly effective. The cure rate exceeds 95%, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention in managing the virus.
Overall, the study underscores the critical importance of raising awareness about hepatitis C, its prevalence, and the potential risks associated with untreated infections. Encouraging regular screenings, particularly for high-risk populations, and promoting education on the efficacy of available treatments can significantly impact the early diagnosis and management of hepatitis C infections, thereby reducing the burden of liver-related complications in the U.S. population.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
