New Canadians urged to take hepatitis C test

published by asingh on Wed, 04/03/2013 - 14:06

Are you a baby boomer or have you recently immigrated to Canada? If so, the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) wants you to speak with your doctor about getting a one-time blood test for hepatitis C.

“While anyone can be exposed to hepatitis C, the latest data show that baby boomers are up to five times more likely to be infected by the disease than other adults,” said Dr. Morris Sherman, Chairman of the CLF and a practicing liver specialist.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently issued its recommendation that all adults born between 1945 and 1965 should have a one-time hepatitis C test. The CLF has extended the recommendation for testing beyond the boomer generation to those born between 1945 and 1975, taking into account immigration and the potential for exposure via medical procedures or immunization in countries where hepatitis C is more common.

“Because there are often no symptoms for years after initial infection, any at-risk activities that took place decades ago, such as tattoos, piercings or using injectable drugs – not to mention sharing infected personal hygiene items – can increase your risk,” said Dr. Sherman.

Speak with your doctor about getting tested and visit the Canadian Liver Foundation’s website at www.liver.ca for more information.

– www.newscanada.com