Hunter New England Health is urging people living with hepatitis C to check that they are taking advantage of the latest treatments, with the disease now curable through easy-to-take, highly effective methods.
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The renewed push came as part of Hepatitis Awareness Week.
HNE Health immunology and infectious diseases staff specialist Dr Joshua Davis said hepatitis C had a 95 per cent cure rate, which meant it was possible to eliminate the disease as a public health concern across Australia.
“This is a major shift, and people are experiencing the full benefits of treatment,” he said.
“In almost all cases, people are not only cured of hepatitis C, but are feeling an improvement in energy levels and overall well-being.”
Most people with hepatitis C can now be cured in eight to 12 weeks with all-oral tablets, no injections and minimal side-effects, according to a statement from HNE Health released on Monday.
“If we are to achieve the elimination of hepatitis C, we need people to ask their GP about new treatments and to have a test,” Dr Davis said.