GA Department of Health offers free Hepatitis C screenings in Columbus

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - Many people with Hepatitis C may not have symptoms or even know they are infected, which is one reason why the West Central Health District will be offering free screenings.
Over time, chronic Hepatitis C can cause serious health problems including liver disease, liver failure and even liver cancer. If symptoms occur, they can include a fever, feeling tired, not wanting to eat, throwing up, dark urine, upset stomach and joint pains.
While supplies last, health departments in the West Central Health District will be offering free hepatitis C rapid tests to those who meet any of the following risk factors:

• If you were born from 1945 – 1965
• Received donated blood or organs before 1992
• Have received tattoos in a non-professional setting such as homes, friends, or prison
• Have a history of incarceration
• Have ever injected drugs, even if it was just once or many years ago                                
• Received a Blood Transfusion prior to 1992
• Received Clotting Factors prior to 1987
• Have or had Sexual and household contacts to a Hepatitis C infected person
• Health care worker with a needle stick exposure history
• If you Are HIV Positive
• Have certain medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease and HIV or AIDS.
• Have abnormal liver tests or liver disease         
• Have been exposed to blood from a person who has Hepatitis C
• Are on hemodialysis
• Are born to a mother with Hepatitis C 

If you have any of these risk factors it’s important to get tested because early detection can save lives.