Baby Boomers Beware
In the latest report released from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hepatitis C deaths are on the rise and baby boomers are at the biggest risk for the disease. Since its discovery in 1989, Hep C, as it is commonly called, has become the leading cause for liver transplants in the United States. According to this emerging research, one out of every thirty-three baby boomers are living with Hepatitis C and have possibly been infected for decades--and never knew it. Deemed the newest silent epidemic, this news has many health officials wondering whether they should urge everyone born between 1945 and 1965 to be tested for Hepatitis C.
The CDC approximates that 3.2 million Americans have chronic Hepatitis C, but at least half of them are unaware of the infection. On a global scale, roughly 170 million people are living with the virus, which can result in eventual scarring of the liver, cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and even liver cancer. The current mindset of baby boomers has a lot to do with the mortality rate of this disease. Many are under the false assumption that if they did not share a drug needle they don`t have it or can`t get it. Unfortunately, what they don`t realize is that prior to 1992, before testing of blood supplies began, Hepatitis C was commonly spread through everyday blood transfusions.
For more information, speak to your doctor, make sure you get tested, and visit the CDC`s website: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/