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Hepatitis C (HCV) in Canada
The following information is summarized from “Responding to the Epidemic: Recommendations for a Canadian Hepatitis C Strategy” 2005 accessible online at http://www.hepc.cpha.ca
- Experts estimate that in Canada over 250,000 people are living with hepatitis C; one third of whom do not know they are infected.
- More than 5,000 new hepatitis C infections occur in Canada every year.
- Hepatitis C is a virus that affects each person differently.
- In most people, hepatitis C progresses slowly and serious effects may not appear until decades after the initial infection.
- There is no vaccine for hepatitis C; however it can be treated.
- Research into a vaccine and improved treatment is ongoing. Presently, treatment can result in sustained viral response (meaning, HCV cannot be measured in the blood six months after the end of treatment and damage to the liver is stopped) in 40% to 80% of cases.
- Treatment decisions are complex and should be made by patient and physician on a case-by-case basis. Treatment costs are expensive but funding is available through the Trillium Drug Program.
- Canada’s HCV-positive population is served by about 300 treating physicians including infectious disease specialists, internists, gastroenterologists and family physicians and fewer than 50 hepatologists (liver specialists).
- Many Canadian communities have no access to HCV-related services
- In Hamilton there are a number of specialists capable of providing hepatitis C treatment; talk to your physician or give us a call and we can provide you with a list.
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Links
Health Canada -
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C Society of
Canada
Canadian Hepatitis C Information
Hepatitis C Nutrition Care
Canadian Liver
Foundation
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