Hep C Testing in Fort Lauderdale Florida
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Hep C Care - Clearwater FL
Hep C Testing in Clearwater, Florida: Why it Matters for Your Health
Hepatitis C is a bloodborne viral illness that attacks the liver as it progresses. In the early stages of the illness, symptoms are practically nonexistent. The individual may have no idea they are even infected, and they can unknowingly spread the virus as a result. However, in later stages, issues such as jaundice and cirrhosis become more apparent. Some people experience fatigue and fever.
Those most at risk are individuals who are born to infected mothers, sharing needles, injured by sharps, or having unprotected sex with an infected individual. Since one can literally go for several years without experiencing any symptoms, early detection is critical.
How Prevalent Is Hepatitis C?
Some people believe that Hepatitis C is extremely rare, but the opposite is true. The statistics about Hepatitis C may surprise you.
It is estimated that 2.7 million to 3.9 million people in the United States right now are living with chronic Hepatitis C. There are around 17,000 new cases of this condition each year. Around 75% of individuals who have contracted the virus do not even know that they have it, and it is estimated that 75% of those living with Hepatitis C right now were born between 1945 and 1965. This virus is the leading cause of end-stage liver failure and transplantation in our nation today.
Can You Get Hep C From Bodily Fluids Besides Blood?
While blood to blood contact is the most prevalent for transmission, traces of the virus can be found in other bodily fluids, such as vaginal fluids, semen, urine, or stool. The risk of transmission from these fluids is generally low; however, it increases when blood is present. Having sex during menstruation also increases the risk if that individual has Hepatitis C.
How to Prevent Transmission
There are ways to prevent the virus from spreading. Avoid sharing hygiene products, such as nail clippers, hair clippers, razors, and toothbrushes. Make sure you also store these products separately. Do not share any jewelry that will pierce your skin, such as earrings. Avoid sharing needles with others in any way. If you are struggling with addiction, seek the help that you need to recover.
How Is Hep C Testing Done?
Hep C testing allows you to figure out whether you are infected with the Hepatitis C virus. You can obtain this testing either as part of an STD testing panel or as a stand-alone test. Hep C is not typically categorized as a traditional sexually transmitted disease but can be transmitted through sexual contact. This is the reason clinics that provide STD testing will offer testing for Hep C only if you indicate that you need it. Hep C testing is not part of your typical STD panel. So, if you suspect you have been in contact with someone with this virus, you will need to let the clinician know, and they can order the test for you.
When Should You Get Tested?
There are many risk factors that will indicate how urgent the need is for testing. For instance, if you have engaged in injection drug use even once, you should get tested right away. All it takes is just once use for you to be exposed if you are using a dirty needle. The same is true if you have occupational exposure to blood, have had unprotected sex with an infected individual, engage in sexual relations with multiple partners or contend with fatigue, jaundice, or abnormal liver enzyme results.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a one-time universal test for all adults. Periodic testing is recommended for those in high-risk groups. Testing can be done as often as every six months.
What Types of Hep C Tests Are There?
Blood testing is the primary method for detecting Hepatitis C. Blood is collected via a finger prick or a traditional blood draw. There are two types of tests. One is known as the Anti-HCV antibody test, designed to detect antibodies that your body makes in response to infection and to indicate past or current infection. The HCV RNA (PCR) test confirms active infection by detecting the virus’s genetic material. This test is used after a positive antibody test to determine if the infection is current. Sometimes, saliva testing is done; however, blood testing is the preferred method because of its accuracy.
Genotype testing is used to figure out which strain of the virus that you have so that you can receive tailored treatment. This particular testing is not done to detect whether the virus is present. It is only conducted after a confirmed diagnosis.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
The time that it takes for you to receive your Hep C test results varies by the type of test you took and how long it takes for the lab to process it. Antibody tests usually take one to three days for you to receive results. HCV RNA tests can take three to seven days. You can receive results for on-site rapid testing options for antibody screening in 20 to 40 minutes.
However, if you have taken a rapid test, you still need a traditional test to confirm whether you have an active infection because rapid tests only detect antibodies in the blood and not the virus itself. In addition, antibodies can remain in your system for life, even if you have been cured or cleared the infection naturally. Only an HCV RNA PCR test confirms whether you have an active infection that requires treatment. Failing to follow up can cause you to contend with unnecessary anxiety or forgoing treatment when you actually need it.
Benefits of Getting Hep C Testing in Clearwater
There are several benefits of getting Hep C testing in Clearwater. Peace of mind is the chief one because when you know your status, you will be less anxious.
If you test negative, you can breathe a sigh of relief. If you test positive, you can get treatment to minimize complications, receive a successful cure, and live your best life. With proper treatment, you can avoid life-altering complications, such as severe liver damage and liver cancer. Eliminating the uncertainty will significantly reduce your stress.
Another benefit is that you can protect your partner. If you know that you have the condition and get treatment, chances are low or maybe even zero that you will pass it on to your loved one. You can prevent spreading it to others as well should they come in contact with your blood.
Ease of Access
Hepatitis C testing is easy to access. Clearwater provides a wide range of testing options. Clinics in the area, such as the LifeLine Health, offer a means for you to have a private consultation and get the testing you need without embarrassment.
Should you choose to get your Hep C testing with LifeLine Health, you can start out by booking your appointment online. You will be able to meet with a clinician who will ask you about your exposure history and your health history as a whole. Then they will administer the tests that you need.
If you do receive a positive result, there is no need to worry. Health center staff will sit down with you and go over your treatment options. Team members work hard to provide a caring atmosphere for their clients, and they want people to feel supported. This is evidenced by testimonials clients have left on their website.
There are also a variety of community events during which you can be tested for Hepatitis C. These are mobile units that travel and are set up for a time to promote and encourage screening. If you choose to get testing at a community event, you can check local neighborhood pages to see when they are scheduled.
Hep C Testing in Clearwater
Fortunately, Hep C testing in Clearwater is easy to schedule. The first step to getting testing is to locate a testing site. This can be a local health department, a sexual health clinic, an urgent care center, or a primary care provider. You can even schedule an appointment with LifeLine Health.
If you schedule makes it difficult to schedule an appointment, you can simply walk in. What you choose will depend on your lifestyle. For example, if you are a busy professional who keeps long hours, you may find a weekday appointment hard to keep. Of course, if you choose the walk-in option, you may need an establishment that has evening or weekend hours. If you find a clinic that allows weekend appointments, that may work as well.
Once you have decided where you will go and how you will be seen, you need to determine how you will receive your testing. If you have a high-risk lifestyle, then you may need to ask for your Hep C testing to be delivered as part of a broad STD testing panel.
If money is an issue, you do have options for testing. You can see about low-cost options or payment plans. Insurance policies do cover testing; however, if you choose to go this route, you must make sure the center that you choose partners with your insurance plan.
Health departments and community events also frequently offer free testing. You just need to reach out and ask for it.
When the time comes for you to take your test, you will receive either a quick blood draw or a finger stick, depending on what your clinic offers. If you have opted for the rapid test, you will receive your results during your time at the clinic. If you choose traditional testing, then you can receive your results in several ways. Results can either be delivered via a secure online portal or a phone call. Some clinics can even give you your results in person if that will make you the most comfortable.
If your results are negative, then you can go on your way. However, if they are positive, further testing will be done to determine the progression of the disease. Then decisions can be made about your treatment. You will receive ongoing support to manage your health so that you can keep complications at bay.
It’s not a good idea to delay Hep C testing a moment longer. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before you take action because it can then be too late, and you will contend with irreversible damage. Take control of your health by being proactive, and schedule your testing now.
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Most Asked
Is HIV treatable?
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is primarily transmitted through certain bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways that people become infected with HIV are through:
Unprotected sexual contact: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs: HIV can be transmitted when needles or other equipment that has been used by an HIV-positive person is reused by someone else.
From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding: HIV can be transmitted from a mother living with HIV to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Blood transfusion or organ transplant: HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants with infected blood or organs.
It’s important to note that HIV is not transmitted through everyday activities like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils.
It’s also worth mentioning that, although the risk of transmitting HIV through oral sex is lower than that of other sexual behaviors, it is still possible to transmit the virus by this way.
I am pregnant and HIV positive. Will my child be born with HIV?
If you are pregnant and living with HIV, it’s important to seek medical care right away. With appropriate medical care and treatment, the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be significantly reduced. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the most effective method for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. ART can suppress the virus in the mother’s body, lowering the risk of the virus being passed on to the baby during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant and HIV-positive, you’ll be closely monitored by a team of healthcare professionals, including an obstetrician, an HIV specialist and a pediatrician. They will work together to ensure the best possible care for you and your baby. They may advise you to start the ART treatment or adjust the current regimen during pregnancy. This is necessary to achieve an undetectable viral load, which is critical in minimizing the chance of mother-to-child transmission. It’s also important to know that there is a small chance that your child may still become infected despite all the preventative measures. Therefore it’s important to test the baby for HIV shortly after birth and continue monitoring the baby’s HIV status after delivery. It’s worth noting that mother-to-child transmission of HIV is rare in developed countries due to improved treatment and awareness, as long as the mother is diagnosed and treated early.
Listen To What Our Patients Say…
Cristina Anderson
I am thankful to the nice people at Lifeline Health. I was so scared when I found out I had been exposed. They guided me and made me feel so at ease. I have not had an issues and I know it’s because I went to Lifeline Health first.
Juan Bustamonte
