There are 40 million people around the world living with hepatitis B and C, according to the World Hepatitis Alliance. Furthermore, 1.4 million people die from viral hepatitis every year and 4,000 of those people are will die tomorrow. What’s even more startling is the fact that most people with hepatitis aren’t even aware they have it. “One of the reasons hepatitis can be tricky is that it is possible to live with viral hepatitis for years without having symptoms or feeling sick,” says Dr. Jennifer Caudle, Family Physician and Asst. Professor Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. “Many who have hepatitis don’t actually know it!”
These deaths can be prevented, but only if people take the time to be tested. Dr. Caudle stresses that “Diagnosing and treating hepatitis is very important because viral hepatitis is one of the 10 infectious disease killers in the world.”
Since those living with hepatitis may not show any significant symptoms or signs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s testing guidelines for hepatitis C screening are the recommended way to assess risk and learn your status for sure. The CDC specifically recommends the following people be tested: