Hepatitis C Testing & Treatment
Early detection is key to better health!
Hepatitis C is a virus usually spread when blood from a person infected with the hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 30 people may have Hep C but don’t even know it. Since testing the blood supply in the United States for infectious agents didn’t begin until until 1992, there is a large segment of the population that should get tested to make sure that they are not infected with Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is curable – and the good news is the cure rate is quickly approaching 100%. Untreated Hepatitis C can cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). As the disease progresses, symptoms such as skin problems, blood disorders, and fever may appear. In the long term, hepatitis C can lead to severe liver damage, liver cancer, and liver failure. Early treatment will help delay or prevent serious damage.
Who should get tested?
Born between 1945 and 1965 (Baby Boomers)
Former or current person sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to prepare or inject drugs
Having sexual contact with a person infected with the hepatitis C virus
Needlestick injuries in health care settings
Being born to a mother who has hepatitis C
Sharing personal care items that may have come in contact with another person’s blood, such as razors or toothbrushes
Getting a tattoo or body piercing in an unregulated setting
You were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987
You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July, 1992
You are on long-term hemodialysis treatment
You were ever incarcerated
You are a sexually active persons about to start Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV exposure
You have had unexplained chronic liver disease and/or chronic hepatitis including elevated liver enzymes
Make an appointment by calling The Project at (309) 762-5433.