May 17, 2016
On Hepatitis Awareness Month, Get Tested
EDGE READ TIME: 4 MIN.
It's bad enough that baby boomers have to deal with so many health issues from colonoscopies to menopause to forgetfulness. Now you have to be aware of Hepatitis C. May 19 is Hepatitis Testing Day. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that anyone born from 1945 through 1965 get tested for Hepatitis C.
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In fact, everyone has to be aware of Hepatitis, starting at A and going through C. The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective can help you be vaccinated�for Hepatitis A and B and get tested for Hepatitis C. Learn how to avoid getting this debilitating disease from our staff and volunteers.
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We are fortunate to be in a community that supports us and the�work we do. We may not be in North Carolina, but we have to remember that even�in the�United States, not everyone is equal. Now more than ever, remember to Be Well, Be Yourself.�
Why should baby boomers get tested for Hepatitis C?
While anyone can get Hepatitis C, more than 75 percent of adults infected are baby boomers, people born from 1945 through 1965. Most people with Hepatitis C don't know they are infected.
Why do baby boomers have such high rates of Hepatitis C?
May is Hepatitis Awareness Month and the American Liver Foundation urges everyone to learn what can be done to prevent the spread of hepatitis. Many forms of hepatitis are preventable and can be treated if detected early. The word 'hepatitis' means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs, heavy alcohol use, bacterial and viral infections can all cause hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Up to 5.3 million Americans have chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection. About 75 percent of the infected population with Hepatitis C are unaware that they are even infected.
Contact the Health Collective to get your Hepatitis A & B vaccines and to get tested for Hepatitis C. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. Get the facts at the Health Collective.