Hep-C Screening
What is it?
Hepatitis C is a contagious viral liver disease. It ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness that becomes chronic liver disease
Symptoms:
Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movement, joint pain, jaundice *Approximately 70-80% of people with Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms*
Who should be screened?
Baby boomers born between 1945 and 1965—Current or former injection drug users—Individuals receiving blood products before July 1992—Individuals who obtain abnormal liver tests or liver disease—Healthcare workers exposed to blood—HIV infected patients
Testing—Treatment—Prevention
HCV is diagnosed with a simple blood screening which checks for antibodies in the patient’s blood. If the screening is positive, a more detailed blood test is done to check for the virus in your blood.—Several medications are available to treat Hep C. Most of these medications have over a 97% cure rate.—Never share needles, syringes, or drug equipment. Always find a professional tattoo or piercing artist using Universal Precautions, and never share toothbrushes, razors, or personal items.
If you think you may be at risk, please come to BDAP for your free Hepatitis C Testing:
Free Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment
Blair Drug and Alcohol Partnerships
3001 Fairway Drive, Suite D
Altoona, PA, 16602(814) 381-0921
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month
10:00am—1:00pm
Walk-ins Welcome!
In conjunction with Trucare Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease
