You could be living with hepatitis C and not even know it
Yep, all those free-loving, groovy adventures from the past -- even stuff you only tried once -- could have left you with more than you anticipated. Symptoms of hepatitis C can take decades to cause enough liver damage for you to feel sick.
The virus is spread through blood-to-blood contact, so that psychedelic tattoo or piercing you got years ago could have infected you with the virus. Think you’re not at-risk? Think again! You could have become infected if you received a blood transfusion before 1990 or even by having shared personal hygiene items like razors or nail clippers.
Don’t be square – spread the word!
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently issued its recommendation that all adults born between 1945 and 1965 should have a one-time hepatitis C test. The CLF has extended the recommendation for testing beyond the boomer generation to those born between 1945 and 1975, taking into account immigration from countries where hepatitis C is more common.
Fast Facts:
Baby boomers born between 1945 and 1965 are up to five times more likely to be infected with hepatitis C than any other age group.
An estimated 300,000 Canadians are currently infected with hepatitis C virus. Many aren’t aware that they have it.
While 3,200 to 5,000 individuals are newly infected each year, less than half are aware they have it.
Hepatitis C can be cured, unlike HIV and hepatitis B.
All it takes is a simple blood test to determine if someone has hepatitis C.
Undiagnosed and untreated chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious complications including: Cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver cancer, liver failure or the need for a liver transplant.
The Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) acknowledges Merck Canada for its support of the CLF’s campaign to raise awareness about hepatitis C as a serious liver disease and promote liver health in Canada.
Yep, all those free-loving, groovy adventures from the past -- even stuff you only tried once -- could have left you with more than you anticipated. Symptoms of hepatitis C can take decades to cause enough liver damage for you to feel sick.
