SEATTLE — Hepatitis refers to the general inflammation of the liver. There are often no symptoms for Hep C until the infection has become advanced, so getting screened early is the best way to cure it. Screening is covered by insurance since it is recommended by the CDC and U.S. Preventative Task Force.
Virginia Mason Hepatologist Dr. Alexander Kuo says spreading awareness to the public, especially those born between 1945 and 1965, is crucial.
There are three different types of Hepatitis: A, B and C. Hepatitis A is a self-limiting infection, you get sick for a few days, but your body fights it off and then you are immune to further exposure. It can be compared to getting the flu.
Hepatitis B and C cause chronic infections that can last for years, and are usually blood-born infections. Most of the exposure of Hep C was due to contaminated IV drug use in the past or if they received a blood transfusion before 1992. The long-term complications for these viral infections is inflammation in the liver and if left untreated leads to scar tissue build up.
Virginia Mason has a clinic dedicated to treating patients with Hepatitis C. The first step is screening to see if you have Hep C. They will then perform an ultrasound based test called a FibroScan that measures the stiffness of the liver.
This segment is sponsored by Virginia Mason
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