Things I didn’t know – Hep-C

I am participating in a VIN campaign for Quest Diagnostics. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Quest Diagnostics and do not earn a commission or percent of sales

With everything going on this week regarding Mr. S’ health, I’m finding that I’m learning a LOT about being pro-active when it comes to our health. As baby boomers, we’re smack in that time of our lives when (if we don’t take care of ourselves), that things begin falling apart. After two hospitalizations in one week for hubby, it’s made me critically aware of what we need to be doing to remain healthy.

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month

Hepatitis C

It’s true that Hepatitis C can hit anyone, but did you know that over 75% of those who are infected are in the baby boomer age group? That’s right. I was born in 1954 – smack in the middle of the baby boomer generation, and those like me who were born between 1945 – 1965 seem to be the hardest hit, with a FIVE TIMES greater chance of having it. There are 3 – 5 MILLION of us baby boomers who don’t even know that we have it. That’s a pretty scary thought.

While there’s no real understanding WHY we’d be at risk, the common thought is that many of those in our age group were infected in the ’70’s and ’80’s – which is when the Hepititis C rates were at their HIGHEST.

How do you contract Hepatitis C?

It is spread via blood contact from someone who’s already infected. This means that it’s possible to have gotten infected before precautions were instituted in 1992.

How do I know if I have Hepatitis-C?

The most important thing you can do is to ask your doctor about getting tested for HepC! Most of us would have NO CLUE that we were even infected, so it’s very important to be pro-active and find out even if you have no symptoms, since you can live symptom free for DECADES. Getting tested can you learn if you are infected and get the lifesaving care and treatment you need BEFORE the symptoms rear their ugly head.

The CDC is urging all baby boomers to get tested for Hepatitis C, and since I have a follow up appointment with my new PCP, I’m going to ask her to add it to my blood work this time around.

Dont’s wait. Learn more about Hepatitis-C and what you can do at: Quest Diagnostics

I am participating in a VIN campaign for Quest Diagnostics. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Quest Diagnostics and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.