Baby boomers are reportedly at a high risk of having hepatitis C, which is why the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) orders them to get tested on their next medical check up. This health report starts making rounds on April 4 to provide awareness and prevention of hepatitis C.
WCVB reported that people who were born between the years of 1946 and 1964, also known as baby boomers are in need to get tested for hepatitis C according to the CDC. It is a must that this is followed because apparently, that era has about 75 percent of people infected with hepatitis C. This is a serious health issue that the government needs the cooperation of the said people who might be infected by this disease.
Dr. Michael P. Curry from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center said, "There are between three and five million people in the United Stated who have hepatitis C and only about half of them are aware of it." People who have a history of blood transfusions, who have used IV for drugs and are sexually active with random people, are more prone to acquiring this disease. They are the usual ones who are often encouraged to get tested, but never really the baby boomers.
But that has to change now since the CDC is adding people who were born in the post-World War II years as high risks when it comes to getting hepatitis C. Just like AIDS, HIV and other STDs, hepatitis C can be easily spread through blood, which is why the government is adamant about baby boomers getting tested as soon as possible.
Despite the fact that hepatitis C is a serious disease, there are now medicines that could treat the virus. These new drugs are said to be more effective now than before. If you know someone who is a baby boomer, share them this article because it might also save their life.