Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is known as the silent epidemic for many reasons (LA times, 2014). People born
between the years 1945-1965 are known as the baby boomer and are five times more likely to be
infected by the disease because of wide varied of reasons. Baby boomer are at risk most because of
injecting or snorting drugs, tattoos became popular and there was no screening of blood for transfusion
until 1992(CDC, 2013). Some other reasons are as follows being stuck with a needle from a health care
worker. Vietnam war soldiers came home either infected by the use of air guns for vaccination, or
transfusion, and blood contact in war (Knox, 2013). An organ transplant, been on dialysis for years or
have aids (CDC).Those are some the reasons baby boomers are high risk.
Getting tested is important! A blood test called hepatitis C anti-body test twill tells you if you have
ever been positive. It can tell you if you are still infected. Over half the people that test positive on the
first test never go for the second test so they do not get the medical treatment thy need (Knox, 2013).It is
crucial to get tested you can live with this disease for two to three decades without showing symptoms.
During this time liver damage may be occurring. Three out four Americans live with this disease.
Hepatitis C attacks the liver and is the number one cause of cancer (LA Times, 2014).Liver cancer has
increased 20% over the past few years, it has become the fastest growing cause of death from
cancer (Knox, 20l4). Hepatitis C cause scarring of the liver, the scarring can be so bad that it cause liver
failure. Half the people on the transport list have Hepatitis C (Knox, 2014). Most people infected live
without knowing you even know you have it. So another reason to get tested is to be aware so that you
can get treatment and not infect others.
The symptoms of Hepatitis C are jaundice, enzymes. 79 million baby boomers should get dark tea colored...