Hepatitis C (hep C) is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). If you’ve recently received a hepatitis C diagnosis, there are several ways you can contribute to the success of your treatment. For example, you can stay on top of your health, communicate with your doctor, attend regular appointments, and get organized.

Important factors to consider during treatment include adhering to a specific medication schedule for multiple weeks or months, getting regular blood tests to monitor your treatment, and managing side effects such as:

  • fatigue
  • flu-like symptoms
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • mouth sores
  • skin rashes
  • sleep issues

It’s also important to keep in mind that there’s a 95% chance that treatment will cure your hepatitis C.

Here are some ways you can prepare for your hepatitis C treatment.

Getting organized before hepatitis C treatment will help you stick to your treatment regimen and prepare for any obstacles that come your way.

Here are some steps you can take:

  • Create a calendar to keep track of doctor’s appointments and blood tests and set reminders for when it’s time to go.
  • Talk with your insurance company about the cost of medications and determine how you’ll pay for treatment.
  • If necessary, reach out to organizations that provide financial assistance for the medications.
  • Write down your medication schedule and set reminders to alert you when it’s time to take your medication.
  • Buy pill containers that have compartments for each day of the week to help you keep track.

Before starting hepatitis C treatment, tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medications you take. Be sure to include any supplements or complementary medicines as well.

This is important because any chemicals that enter your body could react negatively to your treatment or make it less effective. Supplements such as iron and vitamin A may seem harmless or helpful, but they could negatively affect your liver.

Hepatitis C causes liver damage, and alcohol consumption can put you at a higher risk of developing liver injuries or liver cancer. To slow down the progression of the disease, consider limiting or cutting out alcohol.

Aside from posing a risk to your liver, alcohol can cause dehydration. During your hepatitis C treatment, you’ll want to stay hydrated.

People who are overweight may be more susceptible to liver disease. Also, malnutrition is often a complication of cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). Maintaining your weight, or losing weight if necessary, can help keep your liver healthy and your body strong while you’re undergoing treatment for hepatitis C.

To support your hepatitis C treatment journey, be sure to consult with your doctor about how best to manage your weight to promote liver health.

The food you eat can positively affect the health of your liver. Nutritious foods boost your liver’s function, and a well-balanced diet that focuses on whole foods will help keep your immune system strong.

You can talk with your doctor about changing your diet to focus on foods that contain extra fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Also, consider avoiding foods that contain high amounts of fat, sugar, or salt. Finding a balance will help you maintain your liver health.

In addition to a balanced diet, your body needs a lot of water to stay healthy. Eight glasses of water per day (or more) is usually recommended.

Other liquids also contribute to your daily hydration needs. Just keep in mind that juices or other flavored drinks may contain added sugar and extra ingredients.

Regular movement can help your body function well in addition to reducing liver fat. Exercise can also boost your mood, ensure that you have a healthy appetite, and promote sleep. All these factors can help you stick to your hepatitis C treatment.

Exercise can involve:

  • walking
  • running
  • swimming
  • dancing
  • yoga
  • Pilates
  • weight training
  • other sports

You can even count home activities, such as gardening and cleaning, as exercise if you engage in them for lengthy periods of time.

But make sure you don’t overdo exercise during your treatment, as your body will also need proper rest. Talk with your doctor about the right amount of exercise for your body.

Feeling emotionally well will help you stick to the hepatitis C treatment schedule and keep your immune system functioning appropriately. While it might be hard to keep a positive outlook during treatment, doing so will help regulate your emotions.

Ways to maintain a positive mood include:

  • eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep
  • talking with friends or family
  • engaging in a hobby
  • keeping your expectations realistic
  • taking quiet moments for yourself for reflection or meditation
  • finding a support group to share thoughts and feelings

Hepatitis C is often treatable, but the course of treatment can last several weeks. You can prepare yourself by working with a healthcare professional to create a treatment plan and practicing healthy habits.

Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about sticking to your hepatitis C treatment plan. They can help you prepare for the medication course and direct you to any resources you need.