:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/HNCDCPFAF5DZFPVKJQZOGE2HAY.jpg)
2024-07-27 23:39:00
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver, explains the Mayo Clinic. “Hepatitis C can lead to serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through contact with infected blood,” it states.
However, many people with hepatitis C do not know they have it, the medical entity states. “This is mainly because symptoms can take decades to appear. However, it is also due to false beliefs, leading to a lack of real awareness about the disease and the importance of its diagnosis and treatment.
The Buena Vida Association is seeking patients who know they have hepatitis C but have not returned to the doctor because they believe in deep-seated myths like that this disease is not serious because it does not show symptoms, that it is untreatable, that the treatment has complex side effects, or that they could not afford the medications. All these false beliefs cause thousands of patients to neglect their health and potentially experience severe complications in the future, such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and the need for a transplant.
For this reason, Buena Vida has launched a campaign that explains the reality behind these myths and invites patients to contact the association for completely free advice, to have a medical consultation with a healthcare professional in their area, who can – in a short time – request confirmatory tests and indicate the appropriate treatment to ensure they recover as soon as possible. All at absolutely no cost to the patient.
“We conducted a survey and identified the unfounded reasons why many patients with hepatitis C had neglected their condition and perhaps approached our organization when the disease was already advanced, with irreversible damage to the liver. That’s why we want to reach out earlier and seek patients while demystifying everything that hinders their ability to prioritize their health and recover soon,” explained Rubén Cantelmi, a cured patient and president of the Buena Vida Association, which works to support people with liver diseases.
Before modern medications, known as ‘direct-acting antivirals’, treatments were prolonged, had significant side effects, and had low or modest cure rates. Today, the reality is completely different. In 8 to 12 weeks, with virtually no side effects, the disease is cured in 98% of cases.
That’s why it is important for patients to return to consultations and resume their path to recovery. Contrary to the belief that these medications cannot be accessed due to their cost, the reality is that they are 100% covered by social services, private health insurance, and the state. Additionally, if any obstacles arise, Buena Vida provides free support to advise patients until they achieve a cure.
As part of the World Viral Hepatitis Day, which is this July 28, they aim to raise awareness of this issue throughout the country. Their general campaign aligns with the international strategy called ‘microelimination’, which targets specific risk groups or diagnosed patients.
However, this is a silent disease that shows no symptoms for years or decades, and it is estimated that out of every 10 people with hepatitis C, 6 to 7 are still unaware they have it. That’s why it is also important for everyone over 18 to ask their doctor for a hepatitis C test.
Buena Vida is providing free hepatitis C screenings at various locations across the country. There will be free tests at around 30 hospitals in CABA, Greater Buenos Aires, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Tandil, Córdoba, Mendoza, Santa Fe, San Juan, San Luis, Río Negro, Santa Cruz, Tierra del Fuego, among others.
To know the details of hospitals, days and times when individuals over 18 can come without an appointment for testing and receive results within minutes, visit the Buena Vida Instagram.
“We could all have been exposed to contracting this virus through contact with contaminated blood, such as when getting a tattoo, a piercing, receiving a transfusion, during a beauty treatment, surgery, or dental treatment, as long as appropriate sterilization measures were not taken. Now there is much more awareness, although the risk is not 100% neutralized, that’s why it is crucial to get tested,” concluded representatives from Buena Vida.
Future Trends in Hepatitis C Awareness and Treatment
The fight against hepatitis C is entering a transformative phase, driven by increased awareness, advanced medical treatments, and supportive organizations like Asociación Buena Vida. As more individuals recognize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, a significant shift in public perceptions and health outcomes is anticipated.
With the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), the potential for curing hepatitis C in just 8 to 12 weeks has raised hopes significantly. In the coming years, the medical community is likely to focus on expanding access to these life-saving treatments, particularly in underserved regions. Efforts will likely involve collaboration between governments, health organizations, and non-profits to ensure eliminated cost barriers, providing treatment covered by health insurance and public health systems.
Educational campaigns, similar to those initiated by Asociación Buena Vida, are expected to proliferate. These initiatives will aim to dismantle myths surrounding hepatitis C, thereby empowering patients to seek timely medical advice. Social media platforms and digital health tools will play crucial roles in disseminating accurate information and encouraging self-testing among adults, especially those in high-risk categories.
Moreover, with the observance of global health days, like the World Hepatitis Day, efforts will gain momentum to prioritize hepatitis C screening among populations. As more people become aware of their status and the associated risks of untreated hepatitis C—such as cirrhosis and liver cancer—the healthcare system is poised to see a reduction in late-stage diagnoses. This proactive approach will not only enhance individual health outcomes but also decrease the overall burden on healthcare resources.
In summary, the landscape of hepatitis C management is evolving. We can expect to see a greater alliance of technology, community advocacy, and healthcare policy aimed at maximizing patient education, promoting widespread testing, and ushering in a new era of effective treatments for this silent disease.