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Boomers wonder: Why test ME for hep C?
I don't know if I am posting in the correct place but this is a pretty good article concerning testing all Baby Boomers for Hep C. And, finally, this article states several routes of transmission, not just the stereotypes. In addition, starting tomorrow, the proposal will be on a website and people (including us) can comment on it and offer opinions.
http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/22/11796936-boomers-wonder-why-test-me-for-hep-c?lite
Boomers Wonder :Why Test Me for Hep C
"A new proposal by health officials to get all baby boomers tested for hepatitis C may face some pushback from the very generation it’s intended to help. Early comments from those born between 1945 and 1965 reveal some skepticism about the call for a one-time blood test for everyone to detect the liver-wrecking virus, recommended last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “I’d be much more concerned if I had some risk factors,” groused one boomer on an msnbc.com website, while another asked government health officials to explain “how a whole generation could be infected?” Easy, responded CDC officials, who noted that baby boomers already account for 2 million of the 3.2 million people infected with the blood-borne virus, amounting to 1 in every 30 people in that age group.
Many, many more boomers likely don’t know that they’re infected, primarily because they’ve never been tested and don’t believe they fall in traditional high-risk groups, said Dr. John Ward, director of the division of viral hepatitis at the CDC center that monitors the disease. “For this generation, we feel that many people don’t know the exposures that could have resulted in transmission,” he said. Most people understand that hepatitis C is spread by contact with contaminated blood or organs and unsafe practices such as injection drug use. They may even understand that the risk was much higher before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began in the U.S.
But, Ward says, it’s not widely known or appreciated that there may have been other ways to become infected without knowing it before hepatitis C was identified in 1989. “In the period of time before the virus was discovered, in the 1970s and 1980s, there were just more exposures,” he said. “It almost certainly happened more back then.” In addition to transmission through blood and organ donations, the virus frequently was transmitted accidentally through other routine health care settings and treatments, Ward said. But it also may have been transmitted through tattoos, through sharing toothbrushes or sharing razors, even during manicures and pedicures. Any action that results in even microscopic amounts of blood can pass on the virus.
All it takes is a one-time exposure, noted Ward. Because it might have occurred decades ago, some boomers might not remember the event -- or they might want to forget it. “People did get infected through injection drug use and some people don’t want to admit that,” he said. Others could have been infected while using other drugs, such as cocaine, in which a shared appliance came in contact with mucous membranes and blood. Hepatitis C can also be spread sexually.
The bottom line, said Ward, is that getting tested could lead an estimated 800,000 baby boomers to get treatment for hepatitis C and save some 120,000 lives. New treatments can cure up to 75 percent of hepatitis C cases and avoid a leading cause of liver cancer. As it stands now, more than 15,000 people a year die from hepatitis-related conditions. The virus is the leading cause of liver transplants and the fastest-rising cause of all cancer-related deaths, according to the CDC.
Boomers who want to comment on the plan will get a chance starting Tuesday at www.regulations.gov, docket number CDC-2012-0005. Comments will be accepted through June 8 and a decision about the proposal will be made later this year. "
Tomorrow, July 10, people can start commenting at this site:
http://www.regulations.gov/#!home
http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/22/11796936-boomers-wonder-why-test-me-for-hep-c?lite
Boomers Wonder :Why Test Me for Hep C
"A new proposal by health officials to get all baby boomers tested for hepatitis C may face some pushback from the very generation it’s intended to help. Early comments from those born between 1945 and 1965 reveal some skepticism about the call for a one-time blood test for everyone to detect the liver-wrecking virus, recommended last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “I’d be much more concerned if I had some risk factors,” groused one boomer on an msnbc.com website, while another asked government health officials to explain “how a whole generation could be infected?” Easy, responded CDC officials, who noted that baby boomers already account for 2 million of the 3.2 million people infected with the blood-borne virus, amounting to 1 in every 30 people in that age group.
Many, many more boomers likely don’t know that they’re infected, primarily because they’ve never been tested and don’t believe they fall in traditional high-risk groups, said Dr. John Ward, director of the division of viral hepatitis at the CDC center that monitors the disease. “For this generation, we feel that many people don’t know the exposures that could have resulted in transmission,” he said. Most people understand that hepatitis C is spread by contact with contaminated blood or organs and unsafe practices such as injection drug use. They may even understand that the risk was much higher before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began in the U.S.
But, Ward says, it’s not widely known or appreciated that there may have been other ways to become infected without knowing it before hepatitis C was identified in 1989. “In the period of time before the virus was discovered, in the 1970s and 1980s, there were just more exposures,” he said. “It almost certainly happened more back then.” In addition to transmission through blood and organ donations, the virus frequently was transmitted accidentally through other routine health care settings and treatments, Ward said. But it also may have been transmitted through tattoos, through sharing toothbrushes or sharing razors, even during manicures and pedicures. Any action that results in even microscopic amounts of blood can pass on the virus.
All it takes is a one-time exposure, noted Ward. Because it might have occurred decades ago, some boomers might not remember the event -- or they might want to forget it. “People did get infected through injection drug use and some people don’t want to admit that,” he said. Others could have been infected while using other drugs, such as cocaine, in which a shared appliance came in contact with mucous membranes and blood. Hepatitis C can also be spread sexually.
The bottom line, said Ward, is that getting tested could lead an estimated 800,000 baby boomers to get treatment for hepatitis C and save some 120,000 lives. New treatments can cure up to 75 percent of hepatitis C cases and avoid a leading cause of liver cancer. As it stands now, more than 15,000 people a year die from hepatitis-related conditions. The virus is the leading cause of liver transplants and the fastest-rising cause of all cancer-related deaths, according to the CDC.
Boomers who want to comment on the plan will get a chance starting Tuesday at www.regulations.gov, docket number CDC-2012-0005. Comments will be accepted through June 8 and a decision about the proposal will be made later this year. "
Tomorrow, July 10, people can start commenting at this site:
http://www.regulations.gov/#!home
when I was diagnosed my pcp was like "how did you get this" I was in shock!!!! First to be spoken to like that and second I had no clue! When I went to my hepatologist he was like "what difference does it make" you have it lets get rid of it!!! And thats exactly how we should all feel. We got it, we get it!!!!! Just get rid of it. And more people learn about it the better. The only way I can think that I did get it is from a shot called rhogam(?) not sure of spelling. I have the rh factor and had to have "this shot" after I gave birth to my kids, with each delivery and I had one miscarrage. This "shot" isa blood product, which I did not know. My kids were born in 75 and 80. BINGO!!! How many others had this shot? People who never did drugs. They are now my age. Not just people who made bad choices when they were young, all kinds of people. Thats why baby boomers.......!!!!
Here is a link to an NPR segment done yesterday
http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=158935794&m=158943279
In my post above, i stated 1 in 10. That is incorrect, it is (estimated at) 1/30. Still scarey.
clk55 -- listen to this segment on NPR. It does say that the risk factor is higher because there was more drug use with baby boomers. But the purpose is to take some of the stigma out by testing everyone. Many of us who have gotten our lives together are hesitant to tell doctors of risky behavior in our youth so would never be tested. This way, we all are. I think it is a great idea.
http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=158935794&m=158943279
In my post above, i stated 1 in 10. That is incorrect, it is (estimated at) 1/30. Still scarey.
clk55 -- listen to this segment on NPR. It does say that the risk factor is higher because there was more drug use with baby boomers. But the purpose is to take some of the stigma out by testing everyone. Many of us who have gotten our lives together are hesitant to tell doctors of risky behavior in our youth so would never be tested. This way, we all are. I think it is a great idea.
It would be nice if everyone would be tested. But it is the money thing again. I think the reason the FDA wants everyone tested born between those ages to be tested is to ward off an epidemic of advanced liver disease and transplants. We in that age group are the most likely, especially those of us at the 1945 end of the spectrum, to advance to cirrhosis soon. Sure, someone born in 1979 could have Hep C. But truthfully, the likelyhood of getting that person to treat is a lot slimmer than getting a baby boomer to treat. We realize our mortality more than them. That is my opinion.
I am not sure where the statistic that 1 in 10 people born between 1945-1965 have Hep C, but you must admit, it is an eye opener.
bean
I am not sure where the statistic that 1 in 10 people born between 1945-1965 have Hep C, but you must admit, it is an eye opener.
bean
"Therefore, as noted above, it is my opinion everyone should be routinely screened for Hepatitis C. "
I agree. When we get our physicals, we should have a routine hep C test, at least once.
I agree. When we get our physicals, we should have a routine hep C test, at least once.
"Why boomers, why if you were born between 1945 & 1965? ...
I want a good answer to why boomers? "
---------------------------------
For the record, my own opinion is that all people should be tested regardless of age. People who are older than Boomers have Hep C and people younger than Boomers have Hep C. People are still getting infected today. Hep C testing should be routine.
But to answer your question as to why Boomers ... The government has been slow to recognize the magnitude of the Hep C epidemic and the government has been slow to respond to it. It has gotten to the point where the government can no longer ignore this epidemic. Large numbers of people with Hep C have reached the stage where they are developing problems, not just liver problems, but other extrahepatic problems as well. These people are also advancing to Stage 3 and 4 fibrosis and cirrhosis. More people now die from Hep C than from Aids. Hep C is the leading cause of liver transplants and the leading cause of liver cancer. These complications are costing money. Plus, as more and more people are diagnosed with Hep C, it is apparent that that there are many ways a person can get Hep C (all blood to blood, but several circumstances).
Baby Boomers are far more likely to test positive for Hep C than Non Boomers. Some reports state that 3 out of 4 people with Hep C are Boomers. Others state it is 4 out of 5. Vietnam Veterans have a high rate of Hep C infection. Most of them are Boomers. The blood supply and blood product supply were not screened until about 1992. Universal blood and body fluid precautions were not in place until 1987.
Personally, I think the government knows it has to do something besides stick its head in the sand. I also think the gov. knows that everyone is at risk. But the gov is slow to respond and there are economic and political pressures in the background. Because Boomers are more likely than others to have Hep C, I think the government is starting with the Boomers. Hopefully they will soon recommend Hep C screening for everyone.
"Did people stop using injectable drugs after that date? So if you born in 1979 and injected drugs maybe once or twice, no worries?"
-------------------------------------------
We all know this is not true. Everyone is at risk for contracting Hep C no matter what their age. The blood supply is safer (but not 100% safe). Universal precautions are in place. But people still get occupational exposure, exposure from tattoos and body piercing and manicures, exposure from contaminated medical and dental equipment, exposure to contaminated acupuncture needles, transmission from mother to baby, and exposure via drug use.
Therefore, as noted above, it is my opinion everyone should be routinely screened for Hepatitis C.
I want a good answer to why boomers? "
---------------------------------
For the record, my own opinion is that all people should be tested regardless of age. People who are older than Boomers have Hep C and people younger than Boomers have Hep C. People are still getting infected today. Hep C testing should be routine.
But to answer your question as to why Boomers ... The government has been slow to recognize the magnitude of the Hep C epidemic and the government has been slow to respond to it. It has gotten to the point where the government can no longer ignore this epidemic. Large numbers of people with Hep C have reached the stage where they are developing problems, not just liver problems, but other extrahepatic problems as well. These people are also advancing to Stage 3 and 4 fibrosis and cirrhosis. More people now die from Hep C than from Aids. Hep C is the leading cause of liver transplants and the leading cause of liver cancer. These complications are costing money. Plus, as more and more people are diagnosed with Hep C, it is apparent that that there are many ways a person can get Hep C (all blood to blood, but several circumstances).
Baby Boomers are far more likely to test positive for Hep C than Non Boomers. Some reports state that 3 out of 4 people with Hep C are Boomers. Others state it is 4 out of 5. Vietnam Veterans have a high rate of Hep C infection. Most of them are Boomers. The blood supply and blood product supply were not screened until about 1992. Universal blood and body fluid precautions were not in place until 1987.
Personally, I think the government knows it has to do something besides stick its head in the sand. I also think the gov. knows that everyone is at risk. But the gov is slow to respond and there are economic and political pressures in the background. Because Boomers are more likely than others to have Hep C, I think the government is starting with the Boomers. Hopefully they will soon recommend Hep C screening for everyone.
"Did people stop using injectable drugs after that date? So if you born in 1979 and injected drugs maybe once or twice, no worries?"
-------------------------------------------
We all know this is not true. Everyone is at risk for contracting Hep C no matter what their age. The blood supply is safer (but not 100% safe). Universal precautions are in place. But people still get occupational exposure, exposure from tattoos and body piercing and manicures, exposure from contaminated medical and dental equipment, exposure to contaminated acupuncture needles, transmission from mother to baby, and exposure via drug use.
Therefore, as noted above, it is my opinion everyone should be routinely screened for Hepatitis C.
I just read another article in Forbes magazine. Hep C is going mainstream, and the media attention is going to save a lot of lives in my opinion. It certainly will encourage big pharma to race for the ultimate cure. It's a very exciting time!
Yes, exactly. Free testing should be made available for everyone, not just Baby-Boomers. The Antibody test is inexpensive, and people who test positive, can take it from there~
Someone testing positive for the Hep C antibody, still has a 25% chance that they threw of the virus, once exposed (during the 6 month acute phase)
Once the antibody test is positive, then a person would need a viral load or genotype test, to see if they still have Hep C~
My theory is that active I.V. drug users, may
catch Hep C, and then throw it off, and then catch it again, who knows how many times, when they are using.
That is why, currently, they are the highest population to be getting recently infected.
Someone testing positive for the Hep C antibody, still has a 25% chance that they threw of the virus, once exposed (during the 6 month acute phase)
Once the antibody test is positive, then a person would need a viral load or genotype test, to see if they still have Hep C~
My theory is that active I.V. drug users, may
catch Hep C, and then throw it off, and then catch it again, who knows how many times, when they are using.
That is why, currently, they are the highest population to be getting recently infected.
my son is 17 and test positive for the antibody. obviously he is not a baby boomer. Exposure is real for everyone. Everyone should be made aware and given the opportunity to be tested!
Hep C is now the cause for most liver transplants and liver cancer in the US.
Tylenol and alcohol aren't good for your liver but hep C has them beat for causing cirrhosis.
You want some good answer, why boomers ? How about the Vietnam war and all those young men who got hep C from airjet gun inoculations?
www.hcvets.com
Then as mykids pointed out, since it hadn't been discovered, there were easy ways of transmission, unclean dental tools, medical procedures, tattoos, manicures and more. I remember when the dentist didn't wear gloves.
Beside IV drug use, trans-nasal drug use also can spread the virus.
Tylenol and alcohol aren't good for your liver but hep C has them beat for causing cirrhosis.
You want some good answer, why boomers ? How about the Vietnam war and all those young men who got hep C from airjet gun inoculations?
www.hcvets.com
Then as mykids pointed out, since it hadn't been discovered, there were easy ways of transmission, unclean dental tools, medical procedures, tattoos, manicures and more. I remember when the dentist didn't wear gloves.
Beside IV drug use, trans-nasal drug use also can spread the virus.
Maybe it has something to do with age,people in military perhaps, blood not being tested and with age things progress quickly. Not sure why and I guess the big thing is getting people tested for what ever reason. Being in this situation stinks and wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy....I dont know about anyone but me and I for one did not use iv drugs. Nor do I have tatoos, all I did was live my life, married at 22. So I was not a jet setter or live a wild and crazy life. And Now at the ripe ole age of 60 THIS and THIS is not fun. Wish I could shout it from the roof top, GET TESTED!
Something doesn't sit right with me about this! Why boomers, why if you were born between 1945 & 1965? Did people stop using injectable drugs after that date? So if you born in 1979 and injected drugs maybe once or twice, no worries? The most common cause of liver damage, to the best of my knowledge, is the overuse of acetaminophen(Tylenol) or using it with alcohol. Cirrohsis and liver cancer are both attributed to this. I want a good answer to why boomers?
Yes, absolutely. If that had been done, we would not have so many forum members with cirrhosis and we would not have so many members with Hep C associated diseases.
Many of us are Baby Boomers, wouldn't it have been fabulous if we all could have been tested 10 or 20 years ago?
Advocate1955
Advocate1955
Well, I think that now that fact ispretty much true, because we are aware of Hep C, and how to sterilize medical instruments, so we dont pass it to other people.
But before 1992, the medical profession didn't even know about Hep C.
I remember m y neighborhood had a Blood Donation Center, where down and outters would go, to donate blood, to get up the $20 bucks, for a "fix", etc.So the donated blood was infected.
And then, dentists didn't clean their equiptment as carefully (and pedicure, mainicure salons) and...I have an adolescent memory of this horrible abortion clinic I went to: all these machines, and tubes full of blood. The whole procedure was bloody and invasive, looking back on it.
But now that there is awareness, professional tattoo parlors are very careful about sterilization, etc.
But before 1992, the medical profession didn't even know about Hep C.
I remember m y neighborhood had a Blood Donation Center, where down and outters would go, to donate blood, to get up the $20 bucks, for a "fix", etc.So the donated blood was infected.
And then, dentists didn't clean their equiptment as carefully (and pedicure, mainicure salons) and...I have an adolescent memory of this horrible abortion clinic I went to: all these machines, and tubes full of blood. The whole procedure was bloody and invasive, looking back on it.
But now that there is awareness, professional tattoo parlors are very careful about sterilization, etc.
What ever happened to the idea that blood to blood contact was the only way to transfer HCV and not just casual contact with infected blood?
I thought that was the standard belief.
Griz
I thought that was the standard belief.
Griz
And why get a colonoscopy just because we are over 50?
Man on man, these jerks. The point is to catch it if you have it. I just don't think people realize how easy it is to be infected. I have said it before, but it you lived in my community from 1977 to about 1981 I may have personally infected you because I gave blood frequently during those times.
idyllic -- ha ha -- I have to go back and read those -- especially the one on no one wanting a chubby corpse.
bean
Man on man, these jerks. The point is to catch it if you have it. I just don't think people realize how easy it is to be infected. I have said it before, but it you lived in my community from 1977 to about 1981 I may have personally infected you because I gave blood frequently during those times.
idyllic -- ha ha -- I have to go back and read those -- especially the one on no one wanting a chubby corpse.
bean
Ha ha Look at the titles of some of the other stories:
• Too promiscuous to donate an organ? Maybe, CDC says
• Donating your body to science? Nobody wants a chubby corpse
• Cuddling dying pets gives owners scary infections
• Too promiscuous to donate an organ? Maybe, CDC says
• Donating your body to science? Nobody wants a chubby corpse
• Cuddling dying pets gives owners scary infections
I just noticed this article is from May and the comments were accepted until June 8. So we don't get to comment, but the article is still informative. (Not sure how I missed the dates, must be Brain Fog, LOL.)
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