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\nTesting baby boomers saves lives
\n3 Million
\nAbout 3 million adults in the US are infected with the hepatitis C virus, most are baby boomers.
\n3 in 4
\nUp to 3 in 4 people who are infected don\u2019t know they have hepatitis C so they aren\u2019t getting the necessary medical care.
\n1945-1965
\nBaby boomers, anyone born from 1945 through 1965, should get tested for hepatitis C.
\nHepatitis C is a serious virus infection that over time can cause liver damage and even liver cancer. Early treatment can prevent this damage. Too many people with hepatitis C do not know they are infected, so they don\u2019t get the medical care they need.
\nOnce infected with the hepatitis C virus, nearly 8 in 10 people remain infected for life. A simple blood test, called a hepatitis C antibody test, can tell if you have ever been infected, but cannot tell whether you are still infected. Only a different follow-up blood test can determine if you are still infected. CDC data show only half of people with a positive hepatitis C antibody test had the follow-up test reported to the health department. The other half did not have a follow-up test reported, although some of them may have been tested. Without the follow-up test, a person will not know if they still have hepatitis C and cannot get the medical care they need.
\nBaby boomers (people born from 1945 through 1965) can:
\nDoctors, nurses and other health care providers can:
\nAnyone can get hepatitis C, but adults born from 1945 through 1965 are 5 times more likely to have hepatitis C.
\nHepatitis C causes serious liver disease, even liver cancer.
\nBlood tests are needed to tell if you have hepatitis C.
\nSOURCE: CDC Recommendations 1998, 1999, and 2012
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\nSOURCE: CDC updated guidance, 2013
\nBaby boomers, anyone born from 1945 through 1965, should ask their health care provider to be tested for hepatitis C and all doctors, nurses, and other health care providers should test all their patients who are baby boomers for hepatitis C. Testing should be initiated with a blood test for hepatitis C antibody.
\nIf the blood test for hepatitis C antibody is negative, then there is no hepatitis C virus infection and no further action needed.
\nIf the blood test for hepatitis C antibody is positive, then there needs to be a follow-up RNA blood test for hepatitis c virus infection.
\nIf the RNA is negative, then there is hepatitis C virus infection and no further action needed.
\nIf the RNA is positive, then there is hepatitis C virus infection. Refer for further evaluation and connect to medical care.
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