Millions of U.S. residents are infected with chronic hepatitis C, said Dr. David Bernstein, chief of the division of hepatology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. [But] our methods of estimating the true prevalence of the disease is flawed. All [federal government] reports underestimate the true prevalence of hepatitis C infection as they do not include the homeless or the incarcerated -- two large populations with a high prevalence of hepatitis C infection. The survey, published March 3 in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, also showed that only about half of those infected with hepatitis C reported having one of the major risk factors for infection. So screening patients based only on their transfusion history or intravenous drug use might not help spot those living with the condition, the researchers said. RELATED: 8 Prevention Tips for Hepatitis C Infection Because Baby Boomers are six times more likely to be infected with hepatitis C, the CDC now recommends one-time screening for those born between 1945 and 1965. In the meantime, the advent of powerful new medications that can rid the body of hepatitis C gives room for optimism, another expert said.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 09:38:40 +0000
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