According to the CDC, July 25th is the third annual National African American Hepatitis C Action Day (NAAHCA). On this day, CDC and its public health partners will join the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc. (NBLCA) to help promote the day in an effort to educate African Americans about the seriousness of Hepatitis C.
Five facts you should know about Hepatitis C.
- Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer.
- Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus.
- Hepatitis C testing is not part of routine blood work.
- Millions of Americans have hepatitis C, but most don’t know it because there are often no symptoms.
- Black people have a much higher risk of infection. Talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner. Early detection can save lives. The National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS and the Coalition for Positive Health Empowerment urge you to get tested, get treated, and get the word out. Visit [website] for more information.
According to the CDC – Persons for Whom Routine HCV Testing Is of Uncertain Need
- Recipients of transplanted tissue (e.g., corneal, musculoskeletal, skin, ova, sperm)
- Intranasal cocaine and other non-injecting illegal drug users
- Persons with a history of tattooing or body piercing
- Persons with a history of multiple sex partners or sexually transmitted diseases
- Long-term steady sex partners of HCV-positive persons
According to the CDC – Persons for Whom Routine HCV Testing Is Not Recommended (unless they have risk factors for infection):
- Health-care, emergency medical, and public safety workers
- Pregnant women
- Household (nonsexual) contacts of HCV-positive persons
- General population
Treatment options according to the American Association For The Study of Liver Disease – HCV Guidance: Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C
Moore on Health™ 