The ABCs of Hepatitis C
Should you get tested? Learn if you are at risk
Did you know that Veterans are more likely to have hepatitis C? VA has cured more than 100,000 Veterans with hepatitis C since 2014. Curing it can prevent liver disease, cutting death rates by up to 50%.
Treatment for hepatitis C is available at VA and can cure most people in about 12 weeks. If you haven't been tested, ask your VA doctor about it at your next appointment. You may be at risk for hepatitis C if you:
Were born between 1945 and 1965
Have ever used a needle to inject drugs, even if once and long ago
Had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
Are a health care worker who had blood exposure to mucous membranes or to non-intact skin, or a needle stick injury
Were on long-term kidney dialysis
Were born of a mother who had hepatitis C at the time
Are a Vietnam-era Veteran
Get to know the test
The test for hepatitis C is a simple blood test. If you are diagnosed with hepatitis C, effective treatment is available from VA. The new treatments are oral medications (no injections) and last about 12 weeks. Side effects during treatment are minimal compared to older treatments and much more effective; the new treatments can cure over 90% of patients. See a full list of risk factors.
Getting treatment
If you know you have hepatitis C and haven't yet come in for treatment, please contact VA today. Hepatitis C can be damaging your liver if left untreated and can lead to cancer in some people. In most cases, only your regular copay is required for treatment. You can learn more about testing and treatment on the VA hepatitis website.
How My HealtheVet can help
One of My HealtheVet's most popular features is Secure Messaging, which provides you with a new level of access to talk to your doctor about hepatitis C testing and treatment. Sign in and send a message to discuss testing with your health care team today.
Veterans who have been cured are encouraging other Veterans to get treatment today. As one Veteran shared, "If you value life, if you value your wife, family, and grandkids, then you need to try this program. It will extend your life, and you'll have more time with your family, which is the most important thing. Never give up hope."
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