Baby Boomers Do You Know About Hepatitis C?
This post was developed in collaboration with Quest Diagnostics. All opinions expressed are my own.
Baby Boomers we need to talk! Hepatitis C is nothing to take lightly. If you were born between 1945 and 1965 you are at risk. No joke! Let’s get serious and have a conversation with our doctors today!
Hepatitis C is a form of liver disease that damages healthy liver cells over time and can lead to scarring of the liver, liver cancer or even liver failure. Hepatitis C causes more than 40% of all chronic liver disease in the United States and is the leading cause of liver transplants.
Hepatitis C is a “silent epidemic.” Its signs and symptoms don’t appear until the disease progresses and it could be decades before you discover you need treatment. In fact, 1 in 30 Baby Boomers is infected and doesn’t even know it.
Hepatitis C is a potential threat to me, my husband, my friends, and my parents! We need to talk about it. The only way to know your Hepatitis C status is by asking your doctor for a simple one-time blood test Let’s make sure the people we care about know more about Hepatitis C.
I will say this over and over again until I can’t say it anymore, YOU know your body better than anyone. ASK the questions. Quest Diagnostics developed this pamphlet for Baby Boomers that you can use to start the conversation with your doctor. Keep asking the questions until you get the answers you need.
Develop a relationship with your doctor. Find a primary care physician you can trust and have these important conversations. Don’t be afraid to find a new doctor if yours doesn’t have the time for you and your medical needs.
Visit KnowAboutHepC.com for more information. Get the test you need and schedule an appointment today.
My husband and I will be married for 30 years next month. We’ve been tested for Hepatitis C because we’re looking forward to many more years together. It’s empty nest season for us and we’re just starting to enjoy the freedom to do what we love!
Asking your doctor about getting tested is so important. Hep C can be cured more than 95% of the time. Treatments are simple and typically have mild yet manageable side effects. If you are Baby Boomer or you know someone who is, share this invaluable information with them before it’s too late.
Baby Boomers are 5x more likely to have Hep C than other adults.
75% of all Hep C infections are diagnosed in people of the Baby Boomer generation.
If you have ever had a tattoo, piercings or blood transfusions you’re at even greater risk.
Knowing your Hep C status is the best defense you can give yourself right now. If you’re over the age of 53 or know someone who is, take this short quiz to determine if you are at heightened risk of being infected with Hepatitis C.
Baby Boomers we need to be heard. Please spread the word. Visit your doctor and get tested for Hepatitis C today!
