If you were born between 1945 and 1965, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting tested for hepatitis C (August 2012).

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, with an estimated 3.2 million people living with chronic infection.

A, B, C…VD?

Yes, it’s in many STD test panels, but, no, Hep C is not generally considered an STD.

Hepatitis A, B, D and E are totally different animals, and–like C– are bloodborne pathogens. All can harm your liver. Seriously.

Symptoms?

Not too many. That’s one of the problems.

Contagious?

You bet. It can be transmitted by needles, blood, or even a shared toothbrush or razor blade.

Why? Why now?

Hepatitis C rates are high among people born between 1945 and 1965. Individuals from this generation face a five times higher risk of infection than other adults. In fact, 75% of all adults with hepatitis C were born during these years.

Experts have not fully determined why baby boomers experience such high infection rates. However, many remain unaware of their risk, which contributes to the problem.

No symptoms? So what’s the big deal?

You could die without early diagnosis and treatment. Detecting hepatitis C early helps prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Many people fail to realize they have hepatitis C until it’s too late because they never get tested.

The CDC estimates that testing everyone born between 1945 and 1965 once would identify around 800,000 undiagnosed cases. Many individuals have lived with the virus for decades without knowing it.

HCV has an effective treatment, and early detection significantly increases the chances of a full recovery. A simple test could save your life—or at the very least, give you peace of mind. Either way, taking action makes sense.

InOut Labs offers a quick, affordable, and confidential hepatitis C test. The process is simple—a quick blood draw, and you’ll receive results in just a few days.

You don’t need a doctor’s order. Take control of your health today. Call 847-657-7900 or send us an email to schedule your test.