Awareness-Lets get the word out-

[DragonHater]

http://www.hepatitisactivist.org/

[sunshines76]

Thank you, Anne!
I sent my own "2 cents" letter to CDC today, with main point being that EVERYONE in our country should be screened for HCV routinely. I believe it's the only real way to fight this epidemy. So many people are misinformed about Hepatitis C. I was one of them. Till I finally opened my eyes and there it was - HCV positive, viral load so and so, diagnosed with non-A non-B hepatitis as 1 year old, had a blood transfusion as a premature newborn. Yes, it was in the 70's, but look at the recent scandals when negligent medical workers infected so many people. It's only top of the iceberg. How many of us were surprised with the diagnoses when we first heard it? And how many are still not aware of their HCV infection? I bet, it's an ugly number. It can be a winnable battle, but CDC chooses to ignore it.

[Anne1717]

Thank you !

[DragonHater]

Beautiful Anne....Well said!

[Anne1717]

Agree !!  I wrote  a letter to the CDC after seeing their priority disease list today on which they will focus.  The rough draft - I know it needs work:

Dear Dr Frieden

    I am sorry you did not include HCV on your priority list.  I was recently infected presumably through a health care worker.  If I can get HCV with my pristine lifestyle, then anyone can as I have no risk factors nor did I ever.  I know it is natural for someone who recently presented with an illness to want to champion their cause, but this is not the case with me.  I am most likely and luckily clearing spontaneously so I really have no other motive than to speak for it's sufferers.

    I found out I was positive only because I give blood regularly. Since there are no routine tests for HCV, you have no idea how pervasive this disease is.   I urge you to reconsider the importance of learning more about HCV, promoting routine testing for it, making the treatments available at little to no cost, and increasing public awareness.  

    We  incorrectly consider HCV a “druggie disease.”  Those affected with HCV undergo scrutiny and ostracism about which I am learning a hard lesson. If you have HCV then you have had to do something bad to get it.    Even family and friends do not want to eat something you have prepared, use the same bathroom, share a dessert.  It is a sad lack of knowledge that you at the CDC can correct. As more of us present with the virus without a suspected mode of transmission, maybe then you will have to take more notice of it.

    HIV has received much attention, meanwhile you have a silent public health threat sneaking in the back door.   Please do not ignore this disease because it's stigma.   Give the current and future sufferers of this disease some dignity and much needed help.

Thank you, Anne