Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a liver disease that comes from an infection of the hepatitis C virus. It is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. Some people who get infected are able to get rid of the infection by themselves; but most people will develop a long-term infection. Over time, chronic hepatitis C can cause serious health problems. In fact, hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver cancer and the leading cause of liver transplants. Treatments are available now that can cure hepatitis C.
Who Should Get Screened (tested) for Hepatitis C?
Testing for hepatitis C is simple. Doctors use a blood test to look for evidence that you have been infected with the virus. A positive screening test does not mean you have hepatitis C, just that you were infected at some point in time. An additional test called an RNA test is needed to determine if you are currently infected with hepatitis C. These tests are covered by HUSKY Health.
The screening is recommended for anyone who:1
- Is 18 years of age and older (get tested at least once in your lifetime)
- Is pregnant (get tested during each pregnancy)
Discuss Hepatitis C testing with your healthcare provider. Some people need to be tested more often because of their health history.
For more information about diagnosis of hepatitis C, click here.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hepatitis C Questions and Answers for the Public. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htm.
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