DO BABY BOOMERS NEED SCREENING FOR HEPATITIS C?

The CDC has revealed that deaths from Hepatitis C have climbed to over v15,000 a year and baby boomers currewntly account for about three quarters of those who die. The CDC expects that number to increase to 35,000 within 20 years. As a result, the CDC may be recommending a one time HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) screening of all baby boomers, along with their current recommendations for injection-drug users and those who have unexplained elevated liver enzymes.

COMMENT: Hepatitis C is a slowly progressive disease that may not cause any symptoms until the disease has progressed for years. The main killers of HCV is progression to liver cancer or fibrosis (much like cirrhosis from drinking too much alcohol). Since there are many effective anti-HCV drugs that recently have been approved and are in the pipeline, it is a matter of detecting who has the disease early. HCV testing may be a good idea for all baby boomers.

Posted on Sun, January 22, 2012 by Larry Altshuler, M.D. filed under

1 comment (Add your own)

1. Alex wrote:
It is called haipiatts C. There are several different types (or grades).It is ususully gooten by sexual contact, iv drug use, or (not common since blood has been analyzed, in 1992.) from blood transfusions I do not know who diagnosed her with this, but she needs to see a liver specialist (or gastroenterologist).He can diagnose what grade, and exact type of hepatitis she has.I have hepatitis C, and it is a rough disease. I did get it through a blood transfusion, before it was being analyzed.I jere is a real great reference about hepatitis c. Causes, symptoms, medications, diagnosis etc.Even support groups.I wish your grandma the best. I will pray for her.Steve

Mon, May 21, 2012 @ 9:37 AM

Add a New Comment

Enter the code you see below:
code
 

Comment Guidelines: No HTML is allowed. Off-topic or inappropriate comments will be edited or deleted. Thanks.