May 19, 2013

Weather

Fog/Mist

59°
Feels Like: 59 °
Conditions at Wausau Downtown Airport, WI
Save Email Print Bookmark and Share
A A
Reporter: Associated Press

CDC to Baby Boomers: Get Tested for Hepatitis C

ATLANTA (AP) -- U.S. health officials want all baby boomers to get tested for hepatitis C.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday released draft recommendations calling for all baby boomers to get a one-time blood test for the liver disease. That's everyone born from 1945 to 1965.

The hepatitis C virus is most commonly spread through sharing needles to inject drugs. Before 1992, it was also spread through blood transfusions.

The CDC says more than 2 million baby boomers are infected. They account for more than three-quarters of all Americans living with the virus. The virus can take decades to cause damage and many people don't know they are infected.

The testing recommendation is expected to become final later this year.


All comments must adhere to the WSAW.com discussion rules.
powered by Disqus
Aspirus Health Beat 7 helps you make better health care decisions with news about the latest medical breakthroughs, research and technology. Tune in for information about exciting new care options you and your family can access right here in central Wisconsin through Aspirus doctors, services and the Wausau Hospital.

May 14, 2012
Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease Healthbeat: Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease

May 21, 2012
TAVR - A Revolutionary New Procedure Healthbeat: TAVR - A Revolutionary New Procedure