Friday, July 28th marks World Hepatitis Day – to bring awareness to this terrible, yet curable, disease and to encourage those at-risk to get tested. According to the World Health Organization, “Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 1.34 million deaths per year – that’s as many as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or malaria. Together, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C cause 80% of liver cancer cases in the world.”
Symptoms for Hep-C Include:
- Easy bruising
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
- Dark urine
- Itchy Skin
- Weight loss
You are most at risk for Hep–C if you:
- Have used or currently use intravenous drugs
- Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
- Were ever incarcerated
- Were born between 1945 – 1965 (“Baby Boomers” have the highest infection rates)
Hep–C is treatable. Whitney Young Health offers comprehensive support services such as case management and ongoing care coordination for those who test positive for Hep–C. Whitney Young Health offers no-cost, confidential Hep-C testing Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 2:30 pm.
No insurance? We will work with you to see if you qualify for no or low-cost health insurance.