CDC Hepatitis Updates: Public Health Testing, Guidelines, and Facts
The threat of HCV to public health has led to increased debate regarding widespread testing. HCV, also known as the Hepatitis C virus, is an infection that causes liver damage and inflammation. However, symptoms are often rare and do not present themselves until decades later under routine medical testing. Studies indicate that nearly 1 in 3 people with HCV are expected to die without early prognosis, showing the increased need to test for symptoms at an earlier stage in life. With cost-effective testing, a potential 120,000 lives could be saved.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued the first guidelines in treating hepatitis C. The extensive routine prioritizes patients with cirrhosis to help prevent liver deterioration and includes the use of medicines and routine testing to detect early signs of liver cancer, and follow up to determine whether or not the medication is working. More information regarding the guidelines can be found here.
Want more information on Hepatitis C? Check out the following facts:
• About 80% of people who get infected develop a chronic infection
• Treatment can take up to six months
• Symptoms of HCV include fever, lethargy, a loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing skin, etc.
• People infected with HCV may be asymptomatic for decades
• HCV is most commonly spread through needles and syringes, unsterile tattoo and piercing practices, children born to infected mothers, and blood, tissue and organ recipients.
• People can be re-infected with HCV
For more information on the facts of HCV and the importance of being tested, please visit the following link: http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCDC/bulletins/fb1563
