when people first acquire hepatitis c infection the infection is said to be "acute. " there is no standard approach to treatment for acute hcv. most patients with acute hcv do not have symptoms so they are not recognized as being infected. however some have low-grade fever fatigue or other symptoms that lead to an early diagnosis. others who become infected have a known exposure to an infected source such as a needlestick injury and are monitored closely. treatment decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis. however many experts prefer to hold treatment for several months to see whether the patient eliminates the virus without treatment.
should individuals with acute hepatitis c be treated?