HCV treatment initiation depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic.
- Acute HCV Infection: Treatment is generally not started immediately. Acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection presents within 6 months of exposure. During this period, there's a 15% to 50% chance of the infection resolving on its own (spontaneous resolution). Because of this possibility, it is recommended to monitor for spontaneous clearance for at least 6 months before starting treatment.
- Monitoring Period: Wait and observe for at least 6 months.
- Reason: High chance of spontaneous clearance (15-50%).
- Chronic HCV Infection: (This information cannot be confirmed from provided references).Treatment is typically recommended for all patients with chronic HCV infection, regardless of disease stage, to prevent disease progression and transmission.
