The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has just issued new screening recommendations for adults, specifically baby boomers, at risk of hepatitis C virus infection. The new recommendations come following substantial evidence indicating that more widespread screening could significantly help identify people living with the infection. Task Force member, Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, Ph.D., M.D., said that there are millions of Americans infected with hepatitis C, but "many are unaware of their condition, in large part because they may not have any symptoms." Hepatitis C is a serious virus infection, affecting over 3 million Americans. It is one of the main causes of liver damage and liver cancer and around 15,000 people die from it each year. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo believes that "screening for hepatitis C can help people who are infected live longer, healthier lives." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report explaining that the damage from hepatitis C can be prevented with early treatment. However, the report also revealed that more than half of Americans don't receive proper testing for hepatitis C and can't be treated. The new statement strongly recommends Hepatitis C screening for people who have used injectable drugs or received a blood transfusion before 1992. Read more http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262414.php
