Hepatitis And Baby Boomers

It was once recommended that all baby boomers be screened for Hepatitis C.  All adults born between the years 1945 thru 1965 are said to be up to five times more likely to have contracted the disease and up to 75% of the disease lies within this age group. The reasons provided that make this group more vulnerable to contracting the virus are differences in blood products.  Therefore, those who received blood transfusions were at higher risk.  Additionally, IV drug use was more prevalent in this population.  However, now, it is recommended that everyone with any risk factor be screened for hepatitis. My practice has been treating this virus for the past several years and after an 8- or 12-week course of daily oral medication, the cure rate so far has been 100%.  You no longer have to drive to a large city and seek the advice of an infectious disease expert to obtain treatment for this disease.  Advances in medications have provided an eight- or twelve-week regimen.

Furthermore, it’s the goal to reduce new infections by 90% by the year 2030.  We can’t do this if everyone is not being screened and following up to establish a treatment plan  So, this week, I’m asking you to please request screening from the healthcare provider who knows you best.