Yakima Residents – Get Screened For Hep C 3/17/18

Is it possible to have deadly disease and not even know it? You bet it is.  According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3-million Americans have Hepatitis C and 75 percent do not know it.

What that means is millions are potentially on a death march since they show no symptoms until years later, they develop cirrhosis of the liver and then liver cancer.  Hepatitis C is known as the silent killer, so who's most at risk?

The CDC recommends all baby boomers (those born between 1945 and 1965) be tested, because this age group is five times more likely than any other to have Hep C. The virus was not discovered until 1989 and is spread through blood contact ­-- often from having a blood transfusion before July 1993, vaccinations in the 1950s or 60s, or by sharing needles.

The good news is that the virus can now be cured AND you can find out if you have Hepatitis C at a Virginia Mason Memorial community Hep C screening to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.on March 17 at Memorial Cornerstone Medicine, 4003 Creekside Loop. The cost is $40, but it might be covered by your insurance carrier.