An Unrecognized Health Crisis for Baby Boomers

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended that all American baby boomers, those born between 1945 and 1965, be tested for the highly under diagnosed Hepatitis C virus. Left undetected and untreated, Hepatitis C can cause major liver damage and lead to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Of the known Hepatitis C cases in the U.S., 75 percent of those infected are from the baby boomer generation.1

"CDC views this as an unrecognized health crisis and we needed to take a bold action because current strategies weren't working," said Dr. John Ward, director of the division of viral hepatitis at CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention.1

What is Hepatitis C and How is it Caused?
First identified in 1989, Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to inflammation of the liver. Caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), the disease is spread through blood-to-blood contact with infected blood. It can be found in both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) forms with most acute infections turning chronic.2

Although treatable, Hepatitis C is highly under diagnosed due to the fact that symptoms may not present for decades -- after serious damage has already occurred. According to the CDC, more than 3 million people have Hepatitis C, but up to 75 percent aren't aware of it. By recommending baby boomers get the one-time Hepatitis C test, the CDC hopes to identify an additional 800,000 people living with the disease and prevent up to 120,000 deaths.1

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, causes of the Hepatitis C virus include:

• Having received a blood transfusion before July 1992
• Receiving blood, blood products or solid organs from a donor who has Hepatitis C
• Born to a Hepatitis C-infected mother
• Having had unprotected sexual contact with a person who has Hepatitis C
• Sharing a needle with someone who has Hepatitis C

What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C has traditionally been difficult to diagnose due to the fact that symptoms may not present for decades. Once symptoms do occur, it's likely that the infection has been present for years and that liver damage such as cirrhosis has developed.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the following symptoms are associated with Hepatitis C infection:

• Abdominal pain (right upper abdomen)
• Abdominal swelling
• Clay-colored or pale stools
• Dark urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and/or eyes)

How is Hepatitis C Tested?
Hepatitis C testing is a two-step process that involves two separate blood tests. The initial screening is designed to identify antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus. Once completed, the results will show whether or not you have Hepatitis C antibodies in your blood -- an indicator of having, or of having had, the disease.

According to the CDC, test results are defined as follows:

What do the Hepatitis C Antibody Test Results Mean?

• A non-reactive or negative antibody test result means that a person is not currently infected with the Hepatitis C virus.
• A reactive or positive antibody test result means a person has been infected with the Hepatitis C virus. Most people who get infected with the virus, stay infected with Hepatitis C. This is known as chronic Hepatitis C. However, some people are able to get rid of or "clear" the virus. Once people have been infected, they will always have antibodies in their blood. This is true if they have cleared the virus or still have the virus in their blood.

What to do if the Hepatitis C Antibody Test is Reactive

• If the Hepatitis C Antibody Test is reactive, an additional, follow-up test will be needed to see if the Hepatitis C virus is currently in the blood.
• If the additional blood test is Negative -- this means a person was infected with Hepatitis C, but the virus has now been cleared from his or her body.
• If the additional blood test is Positive -- this means a person currently has the virus in his or her blood and is chronically infected.
• If a person has a reactive antibody test and a positive follow-up test, he or she needs to talk to a health care provider experienced in treating Hepatitis C.

What are My Options for Getting Tested?
To get tested for Hepatitis C, contact either your family physician, or a professional testing organization such as MedPro Connect to schedule a confidential and discreet visit. With 5,000 patient testing centers located throughout the United States, MedPro Connect delivers convenient and professional Hepatitis C testing services. Get the answers you need today with our:

• Leading Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Network
• Knowledgeable Risk Assessment Counselors
• Experienced Results Counselors

MedPro Connect provides you with access to thousands of different medical testing services, including Nutrition, DNA, Sexual Health, Drug & Alcohol, and General Wellness testing. With MedPro Connect's fast, professional and discreet services, taking personal responsibility for your health has never been easier.

To get tested today, simply call (877) 205-7836 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Risk Assessment Counselors.

Sources:

1) http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_125350.html (Last accessed 05/29/12)
2) http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm (Last accessed 05/29/12)