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1814148 tn?1332485798

Can you clear HCV without treatment

I've had HCV for 20 years. My liver counts have always been within normal when tested periodically over the years. I was Genotype 1 when tested 3 years ago. I'm 40 now and recently tested "non reactive". My Dr. says the virus is in "remission". Is it possible to clear the virus after all this time. I eat very healthy, exercise regularly and take supplements.
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Avatar universal
I'd get a second test and a second opinion just to be safe.
Helpful - 0
163305 tn?1333668571
A certain percentage of the people with hep C never have any liver damage. They can still pass the virus to others.
If you don't want to do treatment, then simply have a yearly liver panel done to be sure you are still doing well, be aware that you have the virus and it's in your blood, and enjoy your life !
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
While somewhere around 15-40% of people clear the virus without treatment, the vast majority of them clear it in the first six months after exposure. So, it would be very unlikely that after all these years your virus suddenly disappeared. Not saying it can't happen but I have never heard of it. More likely would be a false negative antibody test. I am wondering why your doctor would repeat the antibody test?? Like Ekkie says, there is no such thing as remission in hepatitis C. I would repeat the antibody test at this point. Even if you somehow cleared the virus, you would still have the antibody.

Helpful - 0
10175413 tn?1427170251
It's very good to eat healthy, liver friendly diet, but that alone will not clear the virus.  If the test said "non reactive chances are you are one of the lucky 25%.

Peace
Deb
Helpful - 0
10175413 tn?1427170251
Hi there, welcome to the community R
25% of people who have been infected spontaneously rid there selves of the virus.  Your liver enzymes can be fine but you can still have the virus. There is no such thing as "in remission" when it comes to HCV. Either you have the active virus or your body has cleared it on its own, but you will have the antibody.
Did your Hepa/Gastro tell you it was in remission ? What was your viral load?
Peace
Deb
Helpful - 0
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