Many people born before a certain year were disproportionately exposed to a viral infection before it was discovered, and if left untreated, this illness can have serious—and even life-threatening—consequences. Read on to learn whether you need to make an appointment for a blood test, and how this condition silently affects your health. READ THIS NEXT: This Is the No. 1 Liver Cancer Symptom People Ignore, Doctors Say. “Hepatitis” refers to swelling of the liver, most often caused by a virus. Of the five types of hepatitis—A,B,C,D, and E—hepatitis B and C are the two most common forms in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that hepatitis C (HCV) disproportionately affects older Americans who were infected before the disease was discovered and understood. In fact, according to a 2012 CDC report, people born during a particular 20-year time period account for 27 percent of those living with hepatitis C, and 73 percent of all HCV-related deaths. Many of these individuals are unaware that they are infected, and are not receiving care for their condition, the CDC warns. READ THIS NEXT: If You Notice This Around Your Eyes, Get Your Liver Checked. The CDC advises that all adults should be tested for hepatitis C at least once—and this is even more crucial for baby boomers, or people born between approximately 1946 and 1964. This is especially important because HCV is considered a “silent” disease, which can persist for decades without symptoms before ultimately causing serious health complications Other health organizations have echoed the CDC’s concern. “If you were born during 1945-1965, talk to your doctor about getting tested for hepatitis C,” advises the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APICE). “More than 15,000 Americans, most of them baby boomers, die each year from hepatitis C-related illness.” You may also be at heightened risk for HCV if you have HIV, have ever injected or inhaled drugs (even once, or a long time ago), are a health care worker who has been exposed to blood, have a tattoo, received a blood transfusion before 1992, were treated for a blood clotting disorder before 1987, or have ever received hemodialysis, the Mayo Clinic says. Several dangerous conditions can be caused by HCV, experts warn. “Chronic hepatitis C can result in serious, even life-threatening health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer,” the CDC explains. Since individuals with chronic HCV often live without symptoms for a long time, the presence of symptoms often means the disease is advanced. Symptoms of HCV may include dark urine, fatigue, fever, joint pain, discolored stool, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice. Though many of these symptoms are likely to be caused by something other than HCV, it’s still important to discuss them with your doctor.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb For more health news sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Testing is an essential tool in the fight against HCV, and it’s especially important for baby boomers. “The only way to know if you have hepatitis C is to get tested,” says the APICE, noting that a simple blood test can reveal whether you have been infected. “It is estimated that one-time testing of everyone born during 1945 through 1965 will prevent more than 120,000 deaths,” the organization says. While the World Health Organization (WHO) says there is no effective vaccine against HVC, antiviral medication can cure more than 95 percent of people infected with the virus. Access to diagnosis and treatment is limited worldwide, so if you are able to get tested—and treated, if necessary—don’t hesitate. Speak with your healthcare provider about whether you should be tested for HCV today. CORRECTION:HCV is curable with antiviral medicine, and the CDC recommends that all adults be tested for HCV. An earlier version of this story misstated these facts. We regret the error.
