Baby boomers have something else to test for now: Hepatitis C.  Hepatitis C is a virus that is passed through blood or sexual transmission.  People can be infected 10-20 years before experiencing symptoms of fatigue, yellowing of the skin and darkening of the urine.  Unchecked, chronic hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and the need for liver transplant.

In the last 10 years a good combination of medications including interferon have been effective at curing some of the forms of Hepatitis C (there are several genotypes of Hepatitis C).  Because of this success, the CDC now recommends that all baby-boomers be tested one time for hepatitis C.

Prevention is still key and avoiding Hepatitis C includes common sense avoiding dirty needles (even tattoo needles), sharing razor blades or toothbrushes with anyone who may be an infection risk (think blood transmission).  Sexual transmission of Hepatitis C is rare, but possible; safe sex prevents the transmission of the virus.

As of yet there is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C.  There are good vaccination options for Hepatitis A and B though.
Sound Health Physician members can ask for this simple blood test anytime or in the course of their yearly enhanced physical examination.