Ask to be tested for Hep C.
Act to get the cure.
Hep C can damage your liver, cause liver cancer and even death. Ask your doctor for the test and the cure. If you have been tested and still engage in behavior that puts you at risk you should ask and act again.
Hepatitis C: What is it?
The CDC recommends that all adults 18 and older get screened for Hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime.
Hepatitis C is an infectious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and causes inflammation of the liver, which can be either a mild, short-term illness, or a serious, long-term illness. It is often described as either “acute” or “chronic” infections.
An acute infection means the illness is short-term and occurs in the first 6 months after being exposed to the virus. A chronic infection means the illness is long-term and occurs when the virus remains in a person’s body. Chronic infections may progress over years, even decades, and can lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and liver failure. Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne disease in the United States and the leading cause for a liver transplant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an estimated 2.4 million people in the United States were living with Hepatitis C during 2013–2016. It is recommended that all adults 18 and older get tested for Hepatitis C at least once in their lifetimes.
Even though Hepatitis C can lead to serious conditions if left untreated, it is important to know that it is a curable virus. Medicaid will cover your Hepatitis C testing and treatment. According to the CDC, most individuals with Hepatitis C can be cured in 8-12 weeks with proper treatment, typically with a treatment consisting of only oral therapy.
Symptoms may include:
People with chronic Hepatitis C can often have no symptoms and don’t feel sick. When symptoms appear, they often are a sign of advanced liver disease.