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Grammy Award-winning singer Natalie Cole has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, it was revealed today. The virus, found during a routine examination, is likely the result of her drug use many decades ago, which she fully revealed and documented in her autobiography Angel On My Shoulder (2000).
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infectious disease often asymptomatic. The symptoms of infection can be medically managed, and most patients can be cleared of the virus by a course of anti-viral medicine. An estimated 150-200 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C.
“Natalie has had a terrific response to her medication and is now virus negative," said Dr. Graham Woolf, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at U.C.L.A./Cedars Sinai Medical Center. “This gives her an increased chance of cure. But, she has also suffered significant side effects from the anti-viral medicine, which is the only FDA authorized treatment for Hepatitis C. Her side effects include fatigue, muscle aches and dehydration but she is recovering from these."
“I've been so fortunate to have learned so much from my past experiences," said Cole. “I am embraced by the love and support of my family and friends; I am committed to my belief in myself and in my abiding faith to meet this challenge with a heartfelt optimism and determination. This is how I intend to deal with this current challenge in my life."
It is anticipated that Cole's treatment will not interfere with the September 9 release and subsequent promotion planned for her new CD, Still Unforgettable the long awaited follow up to 1991's landmark album Unforgettable...With Love.
