Being diagnosed with hepatitis C can be overwhelming for people with the disease and their loved ones. As with any diagnosis of a serious health condition, you may have a lot of questions—about how the hepatitis C was spread, about damage to the liver, about the ways that the disease will impact your life, about what treatments are available and the cost of these treatments.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with hepatitis C, it is important to work with a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.
In addition to working with your healthcare provider, it can also help to educate yourself about hepatitis C. Among other things, the following websites offer:
- Information to help you better understand hepatitis C
- Helplines that can connect you with peer counselors who can answer questions
- Organizations that provide financial assistance to help with the cost of treatment
American Liver Foundation
The American Liver Foundation is a great starting point for learning more about hepatitis C, with pages on diagnosis, treatment, transmission, testing and many other topics. The website also features a support section with tips on talking to friends and loved ones about the diagnosis, advice for caregivers, and a guide to financial assistance for patients who need help paying for treatment. You’ll also find information about support groups that meet both in-person and online.
Hep
An award-winning magazine that is available in print and online, Hep is a good site to visit to find the latest news about all forms of hepatitis. The Basics section features overview information about hepatitis A, B and C, including information on testing, treatment and financial assistance programs. There are also forums for questions and discussion, and a stories section where people from all over the world share their personal accounts of life with hepatitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
There are few better online destinations to learn about hepatitis C than the NIDDK. If the information you’re looking for isn’t on the clear and comprehensive main page, odds are there’s a link to learn more. These can be especially helpful when you’re searching for information about a medication used for treatment.
