Hepatitis C: Testing Baby Boomers Saves Lives

Hepatitis C: Testing Baby Boomers Saves Lives

by Clarke & Company Benefits Posted on: May 10, 2013Categories: LiveWell 24/7   

About 3 million Americans have hepatitis C, most are baby boomers or people born from 1945-1965. Baby boomers are 5 times more likely to have hepatitis C. If you were born during these years, talk to your doctor about getting tested.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis C virus. Once infected with the hepatitis C virus, nearly 8 in 10 people remain infected for life. People with hepatitis C often have no symptoms and can live for decades without feeling sick. For some people, the disease can cause serious health problems including liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the leading reason for liver transplants.

Problem

• About 3 million adults in the US are infected with the hepatitis C virus, most are baby boomers.
• Anyone can get hepatitis C, but adults born from 1945-1965, or baby boomers, are 5 times more likely to have hepatitis C.
• About 3 in 4 people don’t know they’re infected so they aren’t getting the necessary medical care and treatment.

Getting Tested Is The Only Way To Know If You Have Hepatitis C

A simple blood test, called an antibody test, can tell if you have ever been infected with the hepatitis C virus. However, this test cannot tell if you are still infected with the virus. If the test is positive, then you need a different follow-up blood test to determine if you are still infected. About 1 in 2 adults who had a positive antibody test did not get a follow-up test reported to the health department in a CDC study. Without a follow-up test, you won’t know if you are still infected with the hepatitis C virus.

Baby boomers can:

• Ask their doctor or nurse about getting tested for hepatitis C.
• Make sure to get a follow-up test if the antibody test is positive to see if they are still infected with the hepatitis C virus.
• Encourage family and friends born from 1945-1965 to get tested for hepatitis C.