Krympress reports:
On the initiative of the Ministry of Health of Russia, from 11 to 17 March, a week is taking place to combat the infection and spread of chronic viral hepatitis C.
Chronic hepatitis C is a disease that affects mainly the liver. The disease is dangerous in that after a long (over the years) hidden period, when a person feels good and does not experience any symptoms, the stage of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver and associated syndromes occurs: a decrease in body weight, accumulation of free fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites), bleeding from the veins of the esophagus, brain function (encephalopathy). After the hepatitis C virus infection in 60-70% of infected people, a chronic form of the disease develops. They are sick with hepatitis C people of all age groups, including children. However, thanks to the modern achievements of medicine, viral hepatitis C is today a cured disease. This was told by the chairman of the Hepatological Commission of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Crimea, doctor of medical sciences Natalya Rymarenko.
According to her, tablet antiviral drugs that do not cause side effects are used to treat chronic hepatitis C. The specialist emphasized that the effectiveness of treatment is more than 99%. In most patients, the course of treatment is 2-3 months, depending on the treatment regimen.
In 2024, in the Republic of Crimea, 1246 people received antiviral treatment freely, 37% more than in 2023. At the same time, more than 70% of patients are treated at the expense of funds allocated from the budget of the Republic of Crimea, and 30% at the expense of funds from the federal budget. In 2024, hepatitis C treatment in Crimea was carried out not only on an outpatient basis, but also in day hospitals. Antiviral therapy in 11 daily hospitals was received by patients with severe fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. For the treatment of hepatitis C in children for several years, antiviral drugs are purchased by the Circle of Good Foundation.
It is important to understand that treatment should begin before the period of development of cirrhosis of the liver, since after removing hepatitis C of the hepatic tissue from the liver from the liver, it is restored. If treatment is carried out already at the stage of cirrhosis of the liver, then although there will no longer be a violation of the liver tissue associated with cirrhosis in the cells of the virus liver.— notes Natalya Rymarenko.
In this regard, the important factor for effective treatment is timely diagnosis of the disease. Often the disease is detected during examination before planned hospitalization, during pregnancy, blood donation and its components. Since 2024, screening for hepatitis C (identification of antibodies that are produced in the body in response to the appearance of the virus) is included in the list of research when undergoing medical examinations.
Therefore, we insist on the importance for the population by the timely medical examination, thanks to which such asymptomatic disease as hepatitis C can be detected, — emphasizes Natalya Rymarenko.
The highest risk of hepatitis C virus infection in people who use injection drugs. Infected hepatitis C is possible during medical manipulations, applying tattoos, piercing, cosmetic procedures, manicure or pedicure, if non -sterile needles or other tools are used.
Therefore, you should contact organizations with the necessary permits for the provision of relevant services, whose specialists have been trained in safe operating rules and use disposable or reusable sterilized tools— emphasized Natalya Rymarenko.
The specialist also explained the patient’s actions algorithm when he has an antibodies to hepatitis C virus.
In the clinic of each region of Crimea, there is a doctor responsible for the treatment of hepatitis C. Therefore, the first thing the patient is to see the corresponding doctor in his clinic at the place of residence to which he is attached. Further, the doctor will prescribe the patient to the patient necessary to confirm the diagnosis, which are carried out at the expense of compulsory medical insurance; will send to the consultation of the Hepatological Commission of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Crimea to select an effective treatment regimen; After the patient receives antiviral drugs, he will control the treatment and further observation— summed up Natalya Rymarenko.
Recall that in the Republic of Crimea there is a telephone of the “hot line” of the commission on the organization of medical care for patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and/or S. Calls are accepted by number +7 978 954 84 69 On working days from 09:00 to 17:00.
Source: press service of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Crimea
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