“Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver and also refers to a group of viral infections that affect the liver. Hepatitis C is the most common type in the United States. Hepatitis C can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness. Hepatitis C is more prevalent in the African American population than in any other racial group in the United States. READ: Experts Release Landmark Hepatitis C Findings Related To Blacks READ: Blood Transfusions: What Are The Risks? Hepatitis C infection is a major public health concern for people of all races, and it has become one of the leading causes of death associated with liver cancer in the United States. Since hepatitis C often does not have any symptoms, it is critical that people are tested to find out if they have the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an easy-to-use online risk assessment that can help you figure out if you need to talk to your doctor about getting tested for Hepatitis C or other types of hepatitis. It can also suggest if you could benefit from Hepatitis A or B vaccination. Testing for hepatitis consists of a simple blood test that can determine if a person has ever been exposed to the virus. CDC recommends anyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, who was born from 1945-1965 (“baby boomers”) get tested for Hepatitis C. READ: How To Cope With Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with Hepatitis C enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people get Hepatitis C from sharing equipment for injecting drugs. In the past, many people got Hepatitis C from receiving contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants before widespread screening in 1992. Getting a needlestick injury or being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C can also put people at risk for Hepatitis C. Although uncommon, Hepatitis C can also be spread through sex. The virus seems to be more easily spread through sex when a person also has HIV or an STD. READ: Hepatitis C In Barbershops & Salons? Since there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, the best way to prevent infection is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the virus. Getting tested for the disease also can help people infected with the virus to take steps to prevent the spread of the disease. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. By Dr. Hazel Dean, Deputy Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Twitter: @DrDeanCDC
Hepatitis C In The Black Community
by ionehdean
The Latest In
Ashanti Announces Pregnancy: “Motherhood is Something That I Have Looked Forward to”
Ashanti and Nelly recently announced on Instagram that they are expecting a baby and have gotten engaged. It's exciting news for their fans and followers as there has been ongoing speculation. The 43-year-old singer recently announced the news of her read more about Ashanti Announces Pregnancy: “Motherhood is Something That I Have Looked Forward to”
Dr. William Carson on 3 Reasons Clinical Trials Are Safe for Black Americans
In Dr. William Carson's experience, he says, "It is as difficult today to get African Americans to participate in clinical trials as it was 20 years ago." Why is that? Many of us are fearful about clinical trials, recalling the read more about Dr. William Carson on 3 Reasons Clinical Trials Are Safe for Black Americans
Why Healthy Eating Is Key for Black Breast Cancer Survivors
Congratulations on your journey as a breast cancer survivor! Your health is precious, and recent research highlights the importance of healthy eating in safeguarding your heart health. A new study reveals that adopting a heart-healthy diet can significantly reduce the read more about Why Healthy Eating Is Key for Black Breast Cancer Survivors
7 Medical Factors Impacting Your Ability to Conceive
Embarking on the journey to parenthood is an exciting chapter filled with dreams of tiny toes and sweet lullabies. However, for some, this path may come with unexpected twists and turns. If you've been wondering about the secrets to making read more about 7 Medical Factors Impacting Your Ability to Conceive
My Story: “Diagnosed At Age 9, But I Didn’t Let That Stop Me”
Dorian booked his first series in 1996 co-starring, as parapsychologist Diamont Teague, on the weekly syndicated dramatic series "Baywatch Nights". This led to several guest star appearances on prime-time TV series such as "Living Single", "Prey", "Moesha", "The Steve read more about My Story: “Diagnosed At Age 9, But I Didn’t Let That Stop Me”
Kids Deserve Better
By The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Did you know that blood cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for children, accounting for 40% of pediatric cancer cases? In fact, nearly 55,000 children and adolescents in the United States currently have read more about Kids Deserve Better