The First Year: Hepatitis C: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

The fifth-year anniversary of the book ushers in a new phase of treatment and information, including protease inhibitors (which have been so successful in treating HIV), split-liver transplants, and prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for HCV. Bruce and Montanarelli also offer updated information on medications that are toxic to the liver; Eastern and Western approaches to healing; nutrition guides; the types of hepatitis that have been identified and what is known; and living with coinfection (HCV and HIV, HBV, and HAV). Alarming statistics: Hepatitis C is the most common bloodborne virus: It has infected 300 million people worldwide (4.1 million in the U.S.) and kills 8,000 to 10,000 Americans each year. About 26,000 people in the U.S. are infected yearly. Chronic hepatitis C is the number one cause of liver transplants. Key lifestyle issues: The book offers emotional support for newly diagnosed patients, helps them navigate and overcome insurance obstacles, as well as providing suggestions for making necessary changes in diet, exercise, drinking habits, drug use, dating, and sex life. Bruce and Montanarelli also debunk common myths and offer ideas for coping with depression, fatigue, and the side effects of medications.