US baby boomers urged to take hepatitis C blood test

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18127654

US baby boomers have been advised by health officials for the first time to get tested for the liver-destroying virus hepatitis C.

Those born between 1945-1965 are most likely to be infected but it is thought only a quarter of this generation has been tested for the virus.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes its campaign could save more than 120,000 lives.

The CDC estimates some 17,000 hepatitis C infections currently occur each year.

[dipsydoodle]

1. Still no vaccine for that one

Hep A and B yes - Hep C no. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16415225

I had a girlfriend diagnosed with Hep C 8 or so years ago. It was estimated she's had it undiagnosed for at least 20 years. Got myself checked and I was completely clear - something of a miracle that one given our antics at the time. She was treated and cured over a period of a year or so with what would otherwise have been extremely expensive treatment under our NHS.

[Chemisse]

2. My husband had mysterious symptoms that would come and go

For many years before someone thought to test for Hepatitis C.

Too bad it took so long because now his liver is on the cusp of failure. It may just stay that way (and get no worse) if the 8 months of treatment did the trick.

Still, all this could have been prevented if doctors had been more proactive in testing for Hep C.

Anybody who had a blood transfusion in before 1992 or who uses or used IV drugs should be tested. It is possible but unusual for it to be transmitted sexually or through shared toothbrushes, etc.