Hepatitis C and B are two of the most common types of viral hepatitis, but they’re not the same. Both present similar symptoms, including nausea, fever, fatigue, yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and abdominal pain.
However, what distinguishes them from each other is how they spread, how long they last in the body, and the treatments available for them. Let’s take a closer look at these two viruses.
How They Spread
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids such as semen or saliva. It can also be spread through sharing needles with someone who has it. On the other hand, Hepatitis B is most commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected person or by sharing needles with someone who has it. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
Duration and Treatment
When it comes to duration, hepatitis C usually lasts longer than hepatitis B around 6 months versus 1-2 months respectively although both can become chronic conditions if left untreated. There are treatments available for both types of hepatitis but they differ depending on their severity.
For example, hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral medications while hepatitis B may require lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol or limiting alcohol consumption to reduce inflammation in the liver.
What is Harvoni and how it relates to Hepatitis C Treatment?
Harvoni is a revolutionary medication for the treatment of Hepatitis C, a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and can lead to serious liver damage. Harvoni contains a combination of two active ingredients, Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir, which work together to target and eliminate the Hepatitis C virus from the body. The medication is taken orally, once daily, and has been shown to cure Hepatitis C in as little as 8 to 12 weeks. The precise treatment duration depends on the type of Hepatitis C, the patient’s medical history, and other factors.
Harvoni, like all medications, can cause side effects. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of Harvoni include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
Complications
Both types of hepatitis can cause serious complications if left untreated, including cirrhosis (liver scarring) or liver cancer in certain cases. However, people with chronic hepatitis C are more likely to develop these complications due to its prolonged duration in the body compared to hepatitis B which typically clears up within a few months without any treatment required in most cases.
Conclusion
Although both Hepatitis B and C present similar symptoms and can cause serious complications if left untreated, they have some important differences that set them apart from one another. Knowing these differences can help you better understand your risks and make informed decisions about your health care choices going forward.
