May is National Hepatitis
Awareness Month, and Maine CDC urges people to talk with their providers about
testing for hepatitis.
US CDC reports that people born
from 1945 through 1965 are five times more likely to be infected with Hepatitis
C than other adults. There are approximately 3.2 million individuals
living with hepatitis C in the country, and it is estimated that 75 percent of
these individuals are Baby Boomer age (ages 50 to 70).
Most people living with hepatitis
C do not know they are infected and can live with the disease for decades
without having symptoms or feeling sick. If left untreated, hepatitis C can
lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplant in the United
States.
Symptoms of hepatitis C include
fever, fatigue and loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, darkened
urine, clay-colored stools, joint paint and jaundice. It is estimated
that only 20 to 30 percent of individuals who have Hepatitis C experience
symptoms. People who have ever injected drugs, shared needles and equipment, or
who were born to a Hepatitis C positive mother join Baby Boomers in the highest
risk category.
Recent advancement in therapies
for treatment of hepatitis C can cure up to 95 percent of infections. Maine CDC
recommends that people talk to their health care provider about their risk for
hepatitis C.
Testing days are scheduled in May
for individuals who are uninsured and at high risk for hepatitis C. The dates
and locations are:
- May
18: Waterville Family Planning 18 Silver Street Waterville
207-509-3267
- May 19: Florence House (women's shelter) via Portland
Public Health. 103 India St Portland 207-874-8446
Those who are interested in being
tested should call the test site prior to the testing day to find out if they
qualify for the free test.
For more information about
hepatitis, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/knowmorehepatitis
For more information about viral
hepatitis resources in Maine, visit: www.mainepublichealth.gov/hepatitis
