HCV Testing and Treatment

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HCV Testing and Treatment

According to the CDC, persons born between 1945-1965 account for three-fourths of the cases of HCV infection. This group is also at the greatest risk for hepatocellular carcinoma and other HCV-related liver diseases. The CDC recommends a one-time HCV testing for all persons born between 1945-1965.
Although there is still no vaccine for HCV, there are now several treatment options available. In October 2014, the FDA approved a once-daily tablet treatment for chronic HCV genotype 1, the most common form of HCV in the United States. This treatment has proven cure rates of 94-99%. An infected individual is considered cured if the virus is not detected in the blood 12 weeks after completion of treatment. Since then, several other treatments have been approved, including one that is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 infection. Some of these treatments have also led to cures.