Hepatitis C is a serious viral infection that can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated. Unfortunately, many people with hepatitis C are unaware of their infection, as symptoms may not appear until the liver has been significantly damaged. That's why hepatitis C testing is so important. In this blog post, we'll discuss who should get screened for hepatitis C and why.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. The virus is spread through contact with infected blood, and can cause both acute and chronic infections. Acute hepatitis C infection may cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice, but many people with acute infection have no symptoms at all.
If left untreated, acute hepatitis C can turn into chronic infection, which can lead to serious health complications such as liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In fact, hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.
Who is at Risk for Hepatitis C?
While anyone can potentially be infected with hepatitis C, certain groups are at higher risk and should be tested. These include:
Baby Boomers: People born between 1945 and 1965 are five times more likely to have hepatitis C than other adults. This is likely due to exposure to infected blood before universal screening of the blood supply began in 1992.
Current or former injection drug users: Sharing needles or other injection equipment can expose individuals to infected blood and increase the risk of hepatitis C.
Recipients of blood transfusions or organ transplants before July 1992: Before this time, blood and organs were not routinely screened for hepatitis C.
People with HIV: Individuals with HIV are at increased risk of hepatitis C co-infection.
Children born to mothers with hepatitis C: Hepatitis C can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
People with known exposures to hepatitis C: This includes healthcare workers who have had needlestick injuries involving blood from a person with hepatitis C, and recipients of blood or organs from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C.
People with certain medical conditions: Individuals with persistently abnormal liver enzyme tests, a history of liver disease, or who have received clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987 are at increased risk.
When Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis C?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults aged 18 years and older get tested for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime. Pregnant women should also be tested during each pregnancy.
In addition, individuals who are at increased risk of hepatitis C (as outlined above) should be tested regularly. This includes people who currently inject drugs or who have ever injected drugs, even if it was only once many years ago.
If you test positive for hepatitis C, your healthcare provider will likely recommend additional tests to check for liver damage and determine the best course of treatment.
The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
Early detection and treatment of hepatitis C is crucial for preventing serious liver damage and other health complications. With the advent of new, highly effective antiviral medications, most people with hepatitis C can be cured of the infection.
However, many people with hepatitis C are unaware of their infection and may not seek treatment until they develop symptoms of liver damage. By getting tested for hepatitis C, you can catch the infection early and get the treatment you need to prevent long-term health consequences.
DON'T PUT OFF HEPATITIS C TESTING
If you're at risk for hepatitis C or have never been tested, don't put off getting screened any longer. Testing is quick, easy, and could potentially save your life.
Contact me today to schedule your hepatitis C test and take control of your liver health. Together, we can work to detect and treat hepatitis C early, and prevent serious health complications down the road.
Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your health. By getting tested for hepatitis C and other potential health risks, you can make informed decisions about your care and take steps to protect your long-term well-being.