Livingston County Health Center will offer several
opportunities for local residents to get tested for Hepatitis C in March.
Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease that results from
infection with the Hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C has been called a silent
epidemic because most people with Hepatitis C do not know they are infected.
While some people who get infected with Hepatitis C are able
to clear, or get rid of, the virus, most people who get infected develop a
chronic, or lifelong, infection. Over time, chronic Hepatitis C can lead to
serious liver problems including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, or
liver cancer. But many people can benefit from available treatment options that
can eliminate the virus from the body and prevent further liver damage.
In 2012, CDC started recommending Hepatitis C testing for
everyone born from 1945 – 1965. While anyone can get Hepatitis C, up to 75% of
adults infected with Hepatitis C were born from 1945 – 1965.
The only way to know if someone has Hepatitis C is to get tested.
The Health Center will be doing Hepatitis C testing by appointment through
two special Tuesday nurse dates, March 14th and 21st, for
a fee of $20. Those who would like to be
tested on one of these dates should call the Health Center at 646-5506 to
schedule a convenient time. Hepatitis C testing does not require fasting
the night before.
Hepatitis C testing will also be offered through Adult Blood Draw
Clinics on a walk-in basis on Wednesday, March 29th from 7 a.m. to
10 a.m., also for a fee of $20.
If you would like more information about this topic, please
contact Ann at 660-646-5506 or email at ann.burchett@livcohealth.com.
