Boomers At Much Higher Risk For Hepatitis C

World Hepatitis Day is July 28 and the virus for Hep C may be silently lurking in Baby Boomers, waiting to wreak havoc.  It is estimated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that those born between 1946 and 1965 are five time more likely than other adults to be infected with hepatitis C.  The Globe and Mail reported in 2013 that an estimated one in 33 boomers in Canada are infected with hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C, a disease of the liver, may be symptomless for decades before fatigue and yellowed skin become apparent.  If caught early enough, there are new treatments to cure the disease and Boomers are especially urged to get tested without delay.  Once liver scarring, a result of advanced hepatitis C has occurred, even with treatment the patient will not return to good health.

Experimental drug use in the college years is blamed for about half of the estimated millions of undiagnosed cases of hepatitis C;  others may have contracted the virus by getting a tattoo, having a blood transfusion or from a hospital stay.  Before the HIV era, medical equipment wasn’t held to the same high sterilization standards now required.

Treatment for hepatitis C is not only expensive, $65,000 for a full six-month course, but has many side effects including nausea, depression, muscle pain, fever and fatigue.  However, without treatment, the disease will run it’s course and even with a new liver, may recur.

The Canadian Liver Foundation recommends that all Canadians born between 1945 and 1975 be tested for the virus.   For more information about hepatitis C diagnosis, testing and transmission visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/faq-eng.php .