Hepatitis C Testing & Treatment
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection. Common methods of spreading hepatitis C include receiving a blood transfusion prior to the 1980s; contaminated tattoo instruments; sharing of contaminated needles with IV drug use; sexual activity with multiple sexual partners; and any activity or practice where contact with blood or other body fluids can occur, such as sharing toothbrushes and razor blades.
Hepatitis C can cause minor short-term illness in some and long-term infection in others. About 75%-85% of people with an initial infection will develop a long-term infection. Left untreated, a long-term hepatitis C infection may cause severe liver disease, liver cancer, disability, and death.
Hepatitis C screening is strongly recommended because an estimated 75% of the 2.7 million people in the United States living with a hepatitis C infection are unaware of their status.
It is especially important for all men and women born between 1945 and 1965 to receive a one-time hepatitis C screening, because 75% of all infections involve this group. Men and women who engage in IV drug use should be screened every six months.
Testing for Hepatitis C is simple and inexpensive. All it requires is a small blood sample, and results are available in a few days. Most insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance cover hepatitis C testing at no additional cost to the patient. Talk to your Cooperative Health medical provider about being tested today.
Hepatitis C testing is available during the week at all of Cooperative Health's family and internal medicine locations, as well as our walk-in clinic. Weekend screenings are available at our Saturday walk-in clinic from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hepatitis C Treatment in Columbia, SC
New therapies to treat hepatitis C infection can stop the disease progression and provide a cure to most people. Successful treatment requires the expertise of a provider, pharmacy team, and involved support staff.
Hepatitis C treatment at Cooperative Health is provided by hepatitis C and HIV specialists, Dr. Adelero Adebajo and Dr. Ada Stewart. They have been engaged in the successful treatment of Hepatitis C and other infectious diseases for years. Their understanding of the treatment regimens has produced an extraordinary cure rate. Treatment is available at Waverly Family Practice in Columbia, South Carolina.
