Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States, affecting an estimated 3.2 million people. The virus mainly affects the liver and can lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring) and liver cancer. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S.
It is transmitted when an infected person’s blood enters the bloodstream of another person. You should be tested if:
you were born between 1945 and 1965, regardless of other risk factors
you’ve used intravenous or intranasal drugs even once
you’ve engaged in anal intercourse or vigorous, unprotected sex with multiple partners
you had a transfusion of blood or blood products, like plasma, before 1992
you are or have been on hemodialysis
you got a tattoo or piercing in a non-sterile environment
you have sex or share personal care items, like a razor or toothbrush, with someone who has hepatitis C
To get tested:
Ask your healthcare provider if you are eligible for the hepatitis C antibody test. A few Southwest PA sites that screen for hepatitis C are:
Mercy Behavioral Health, 1200 Reedsdale St., Pittsburgh
Central Outreach, 1860 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh
Butler Community Health Clinic, 103 Bonnie Drive, Butler
To learn about prescription assistance programs, visit:
For Harvoni or Sovaldi, http://www.gilead.com/responsibility/us-patient-access
For Viekira Pak, http://www.abbviepaf.org/
For Olysio, www.JanssenPrescriptionAssistance.com
For more information on hepatitis C, visit:
Help-4-Hep: http://www.help4hep.org/
Caring Ambassadors hepatitis C program: www.hepcchallenge.org
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis: www.cdc.gov/knowmorehepatitis
HCV Advocate: www.hcvadvocate.org
Hepatitis C Association: www.hepcassoc.org