Hepatitis C and recurrent colds

[Daughter1217]

     My dad was diagnosed with Hepatitis C last year while trying to file for life insurance.  He had many symptoms, and knew something was wrong but never had it checked.  He lost weight, was very tired (sleeping all the time) yellow stools, and just sick.   He thinks he came in contact with it just last year, but I feel that he has had it for a very long time.  My dad has not recieved treatment because of the cost.  he lives in Jacksonville Florida, and apparently there is noone that can really help him financially.  My question is about a recurrent cold (severe cold) that he has had on and off for about 5 months.  He continues to go to the doctor for the colds, and they always give him antibiotics.  I am trying to figure out if there is a connection with these colds and Hep C.  
     The doctor reccommended that he has a biopsy done as soon as possible. This was a year ago that he said that.  Could his Hep C be getting worse and that is why he is staying so sick?  I am just worried about my dad and with him being 8 hours away from me, I feel powerless and just need answers.   Can anyone tell me anything that would be helpful?    

[DragonSlayer45]

I always seem to have a cold or sinus problem anymore. I also seem to becoming more and more symptomatic as time rolls on. There was an earlier post from Mremeet who cleared , and he talked about how he use to always have nasal congestion, colds and the like. Since clearing the virus he noticed that the problems have disappeared.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/505247?post_id=post_2841493

It very well could be the case. The virus seems to effect different people differently. Some have no symptoms, some have multiple, some have many extra hepatic symptoms.

[can-do-man]

I was dx. stage 4, Two + years ago. I to never catch a cold/flu. Before, during or after tx. i can and have been around alot of people really sick, yet nothing......Strange

[hippygem]

I dont get even the common cold/flu anymore, everyone could be sick around me and I just dont catch anything.
I thought that the HCV virus kills the flu.  I have chatted to others in here over the years that didnt get the flu neither.  Anyone else?

[dranurag]

I also had recurrent cold and pharyngitis for many years and now blame it on HCV
Meki-- how can you say liver gives immunity?

[working dog]

does he drink or has he stopped drinking over the past few years? any alcohol could be real trouble...i seem to get some things worse with hep c...like hay fever...and pains and aches..fatigue..lots of stuff...my biopsy cost me i think 4500.00 ....he should just get one and also get informed ...the other day i was talking with a friend of mine that pours foundations and i mentioned i had hep c ...he said" i got that"  he doesn't know anything about it..but when his symptoms start up he'll find out ...he did say he quit drinking 7 years ago when his liver enzymes when way up...so thats good...but i would try to keep your dad up to date and informed....billy

[meki]

I can tell you that until I treated - and took the pneumonia shot - I was going to the doctor every 3 weeks to every 2 months with some sort of sinus infection, upper respiratory problem and pneumonia - or bronchitis.

As the virus destroys your liver you have less immunities to fight colds.

Now - the treatment can have serious consequences... And no matter how far below the poverty level your father is at --- there are always ways to see doctors or to get help with the cost of the medicines.

Roche and the other companies have patient assistance --- go to their websites and you'll see.

Have him get a biopsy to tell how far his liver has been damaged.

Be supportive of his choices --- should he choose not to treat or to treat.

Both ways are very hard to choose for one's self. On one hand you have to go through a life changing possibly horrible experience that can leave you emotionally and financially drained --- on the other hand --- you might just have a cold for the rest of your life and feel a little tired.

A lot of people LIVE with HEPC --- and not die of it.

However - I believe that the choice must be made by each individual. It's a very personal thing.

Much luck to you ---- read the site here --- read the posts... get to know the people here - and then you'll be more informed --- and able to help your father.

Meki