The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has expanded previous recommendations for HCV screening of all persons born between the years 1945–1965 (the so-called baby-boomer generation) for HCV-infection.*
- People born from 1945-1965 are 5x more likely to have Hepatitis C. While anyone can get Hepatitis C, more than 75% of people with Hepatitis C were born between these years. That’s why CDC recommends that anyone born from 1945-1965 get tested for Hepatitis C.**
- Up to 75% of people with Hepatitis C don’t know they are infected. Millions of Americans have Hepatitis C, but most don’t know it. People with Hepatitis C often have no symptoms and can live with an infection for decades without feeling sick.
- Hepatitis C can cause liver damage and liver failure. Over time, chronic Hepatitis C can cause serious health problems including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer and even death. In fact, Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the #1 cause of liver transplants.
- All persons born between the years 1945–1965 should receive one-time testing for HCV without prior ascertainment of HCV risk.
- HCV testing should be initiated with an FDA-approved test for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV).
- An FDA-approved HCV nucleic acid test (NAT) should be used to identify active HCV infection among persons who have tested anti-HCV positive.
All persons with identified HCV infection should receive appropriate care and treatment services for HCV infection.