Hepatitis C is a liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis C virus. Once infected with the hepatitis C virus, nearly 8 in 10 people remain infected for life. People with hepatitis C often have no symptoms and can live for decades without feeling sick. For some people, the disease can cause serious health problems including liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the leading reason for liver transplants.
Problem
- About 3 million adults in the US are infected with the hepatitis C virus, most are baby boomers.
- Anyone can get hepatitis C, but adults born from 1945-1965, or baby boomers, are 5 times more likely to have hepatitis C.
- About 3 in 4 people don’t know they’re infected so they aren’t getting the necessary medical care and treatment.
via Hepatitis C: Testing Baby Boomers Saves Lives | CDC Features.