According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in thirty Baby Boomers has Hepatitis C, and most don’t know it. Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease resulting from infection with the Hepatitis C virus. Baby Boomers (adults born between 1945 and 1965) are five times more likely to have Hepatitis C compared to other populations. The exact reason why Baby Boomers are at increased risk for Hepatitis C is not known, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all Baby Boomers be screened for Hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime. During the month of June, Linn County Public Health will offer free Hepatitis C screening to adults born between 1945 and 1965. Results are ready in just 20 minutes.
“Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver cancer and liver transplants in the United States. Screening helps people learn if they are infected and get them into lifesaving care and treatment.” said Linn County Public Health Director Pramod Dwivedi. “Treatments are available that can eliminate the virus from the body and prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.”
For more information on Hepatitis C, visit https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv. To schedule an appointment for a confidential Hepatitis C screen, call Linn County Public Health at 319-892-6093.
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ABOUT LINN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH:
Linn County Public Health serves nearly 220,000 residents of Linn County to prevent disease and injury, promote healthy living, protect the environment, and ensure public health preparedness. More information about Linn County Public Health is available online at http://www.linncounty.org/health or by calling 319-892-6000. Follow Linn County Public Health on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LCPublicHealth and on Twitter @LCPublicHealth.