Prof. Dr. Fehmi Tabak said: “Neglecting the treatment of infectious diseases during the epidemic may endanger public health”. Blood-borne hepatitis C virus (HCV); If left untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and can be fatal.1,2 It is estimated that 71 million people in the world have chronic hepatitis C disease.1 In our country, approximately 250.000-550.000 adults are infected with HCV and the vast majority of those infected with HCV are aware of this situation. 3
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is usually not noticed during blood donation or tests performed during a routine medical examination until an abnormal blood test result.2 After hepatitis C infection, approximately 80% of patients develop no symptoms in the acute-early phase of the infection. for that çıkmaz.1 hepatitis C patients to know whether you are testing, and the only way to early detection of life kurtarabiliyor.4 "because of the outbreak Turkey Viral hepatitis Prevention and delays in implementation of the Control Program, hepatitis group carrying contagious nature may lead to an increase in disease, and endanger the public health "
Turkey prepared by the Ministry of Health Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control Program, pointed out that an important step in terms of public health, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Prof. Dr. Fehmi Tabak said, “Under this national program, healthcare workers, those who take blood and blood products before 1996, who have frequent transfusions of blood and blood products, those who inject drugs, prisoners and immigrants are defined as high-risk groups in terms of HCV. In addition, those with a history of risky sexual behavior and those who have tattoos and piercings in non-sterile conditions are also at risk. Hepatitis C disease spreads rapidly among people who inject drugs. Applications to be made among these risky groups will contribute to the control of many diseases, ”he said. “However, unfortunately, during the coronavirus epidemic period, the work carried out under this program also had to be postponed. Therefore, we are worried that there may be an increase in infectious diseases in the hepatitis group. " he added.
"Those with chronic diseases in the period of COVID-19 should continue to receive care and medication in accordance with their treatment plans"
Stating that social isolation is important for people with chronic diseases in the process of combating coronavirus, Prof. Dr. Fehmi Tabak; “Chronic diseases affect the prognosis of COVID-19; It also increases the mortality rate by causing exacerbation of existing chronic conditions or complications in the patient. Patients with chronic diseases should continue to receive care and medication in accordance with their treatment plan. In addition, patients who have a chronic disease such as hepatitis C and who are not aware during the social isolation process may have diagnosis and treatment disruptions because they go to the hospital less often. “Neglecting hepatitis C disease during the epidemic may lead to an increase in cases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer in the following years. We strongly recommend that patients visit their physicians and have their routine checks. " said.
"We can save the lives of patients with early diagnosis"
Stating that hepatitis C disease usually does not show symptoms, the patient's consultation to the physician may be delayed. Dr. Fehmi Tabak; “Blood-borne hepatitis C virus; If left untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and can be fatal. If the disease becomes chronic, there is a risk of developing chronic hepatitis first, then liver cirrhosis and liver cancer over the years, and it should be known that it is a fatal disease. "
Prof. Dr. Fehmi Tabak; “However, we can save the lives of patients with intervention in the early stages of the disease. In recent years, great steps have been taken in the world and in our country with the innovative treatments offered to the public service, and chronic hepatitis C disease has reached the point to be treated. Depending on the risk factors and symptoms of the person, the physician may want to perform a hepatitis C test when necessary. Hepatitis C infection can be detected with a simple blood test. Since the disease is generally silent until the advanced stages without symptoms, patients who are diagnosed incidentally should be directed to treatment as soon as possible; It should be ensured that the groups with high risk of contamination are identified, evaluated and followed up regularly. " said.
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