there is one specific treatment for hepatitis c which usually involves a 48 week course of a drug called interferon combined with a drug called ribavirin. These drugs are very expensive and can have very undesirable side effects, but they are currently the only effective treatment for hepatitis c. Unfortunately, the treatment is not always effective (about a 40% success rate). Chronic hepatitis c can remain relatively dormant for a number of years before symptoms become present, but damage is always occurring to the liver. Without successful treatment, one might eventually develop cirrhosis and require a liver transplant to survive. Hepatitis c is passed entirely through contact with infected blood, so sharing razors is not advised as there is some risk of coming in contact with his blood. Anyone living with someone with hepc should be cautious about sharing anything that might have their blood on it (e.G. Razors, toothbrushes, etc.), but there is a low risk for contracting it from simple contact. You cannot get the virus through normal daily contact, such as hugging or kissing. With your father having had it as long as he has, it would be advisable to have the rest of your family get a blood test for hepc to confirm that it has not been spread.

Just got a really good friend through the 48 week treatments! One shot every friday night along with three (3) pills (riboviran) in the morning and (3) pills in evening. Your father will have to have a liver biopsy to determine degree of damage and then Dr.S can decide on which meds to start. The main thing is to have a positive attitude. Sure, there are flu like symptoms and mood swings and feelings of depression and tiredness..But be a coach for him. Make him drink lots of water to flush this through his system. Pamperer him, but also encourage him day by day....You can get through this! So mayn people wimp out and stop the treatment, but my freind finished and does not have a trace in her blood now! Be there for words of support. Yes, everyone who lives with your dadshould have blood test to endure they have not been infected. It is transmitted through blood, so just be extremely careful. Good luck to you and you and your dad.......Positive attitude!