Hep C Care - Kissimmee FL
Confidential, Compassionate Hepatitis C Testing in Kissimmee
If you have been exposed to hepatitis C, you are not alone. Millions of Americans are living with hepatitis C, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that In 2022 alone, there were 67,400 new cases of hepatitis C in the United States. Approximately 76% of new hep C cases occurred in urban areas.
Although many people don’t experience symptoms during the acute stage, which lasts six months, chronic hepatitis C can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Early detection is key to successfully treating hepatitis C and preventing liver damage. Hepatitis C tests can give you the answers you need. If you live in Kissimmee, getting tested is easier than you might think. Our confidential, supportive testing services in Kissimmee can help you protect your health and prepare for what’s ahead.
What Is Hepatitis C?
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes hepatitis C, a viral infection that leads to liver inflammation. HCV primarily spreads through contact with infected blood. Hepatitis C starts as an acute infection, but early treatment can prevent the client from developing the serious complications of chronic hepatitis C.
Many people don’t experience symptoms when infected with hepatitis C. When they do experience symptoms, clients may mistake their illness for a cold or the flu.
These are the most common symptoms of hepatitis C:
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Easily bruising or bleeding
Even if you have no symptoms, hepatitis C can still cause liver damage. That’s why it’s important to understand if you are at risk for hepatitis C. If you think you’ve been exposed to hep C, our team at LifeLine Health Florida in Kissimmee is here to help.
When Should I Get Tested for Hepatitis C?
Nearly one in three people who have hep C are unaware of it. The lack of symptoms in many people makes this condition easy to miss. Since there is no vaccine for this virus, testing is key to preventing the spread of hepatitis C.
The CDC recommends testing for everyone 18 and older at least once in their lifetime even if they have no symptoms. Women should get tested during each pregnancy.
Some people may be at higher risk of contracting hepatitis C. Factors like age, lifestyle, and conditions like HIV can increase your risk of contracting the virus. It’s advisable to be tested more frequently if you:
- Inhaled or injected drugs, one or more times
- Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992
- Received dialysis treatment
- Had abnormal results on liver function tests
- Received an HIV diagnosis
- Were born between 1945 and 1965
- Were exposed to blood through needlestick injuries
- Received tattoos or piercings from an unregulated artist
If you have any of these risk factors or are experiencing symptoms, hepatitis C testing can give you the answers you need.
What Is Hepatitis C Testing?
Because symptoms can be absent or mistaken for other conditions, testing is the only reliable way to confirm whether you have hepatitis C. Early detection improves the chances of selecting an effective treatment that can cure the infection and prevent long-term liver damage.
Hepatitis C testing is a medical screening used to detect the presence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in your body. The goal is to determine whether you currently have an infection or have been exposed to the virus in the past.
Many clients are nervous about getting tested. Our staff members can tell you what to expect and answer any questions you may have. During your hep C test, we’ll collect a small blood sample. Our technicians will analyze the sample for signs of the hepatitis C virus.
Our staff members offer compassionate, confidential hep C testing services. We understand that testing can be a stressful experience. We aim to make you comfortable and guide you through the process. We’ll help you understand your results and, if necessary, help you explore your treatment options.
What Types of Hepatitis C Tests Are There?
There are two types of hepatitis C tests: the HCV antibody test and the HCV RNA test.
When you have an HCV infection, your immune system produces antibodies in response to the hepatitis C virus. The HCV antibody test looks for these antibodies in your blood. A positive result means you have been exposed to HCV at some point in your life, but it does not mean you still have the infection.
The HCV RNA test checks your blood for the hepatitis C virus. This blood test detects the genetic material of HCV. If the genetic material is present in your blood, then you have an active infection. This test can also detect the amount of virus in your body.
Knowing the amount of the virus, or viral load, is important for several reasons. The amount of the virus in your blood tells our team if you currently have hepatitis C or just antibodies from a past exposure.
Although the viral load doesn’t show how much liver damage you have, knowing how much of the virus is in your system can help us determine the best treatment. Our staff can also use this information to determine how long you need to take medication.
Our staff may continue to test the viral load during treatment to see how well the medication is working. A significant drop means the treatment is working. After treatment, follow-up tests check for the presence of the virus. If no virus is detected 12 weeks or more after treatment, you are considered cured.
Knowing your viral load also helps you plan for the future. Our staff can discuss how you can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others until you are cured.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results Back?
No matter which hepatitis C test you take, you can expect to wait several days for the results. One of our team members will contact you when the results are ready.
During your testing appointment, you can ask our team any questions or share your concerns about testing, results, and treatment options. If your results are positive, we will guide you through the next steps. Our staff members will outline your treatment options. We’ll also discuss ways to protect your liver’s health. If your results are negative, we can help you understand how to reduce your risk for hepatitis C in the future.
Benefits of Getting Hepatitis C Testing in Kissimmee
Not knowing your hepatitis C status can cause anxiety, stress, and fear.
Getting tested for hepatitis C is an important step in protecting your health and the health of those around you. In Kissimmee, our confidential, supportive testing services make the process straightforward and stress-free.
Testing can remove the uncertainty that comes from not knowing your hepatitis C status. If your results are negative, you can feel confident moving forward and take steps to avoid risk. If your results are positive, you can begin treatment right away to protect your liver and overall health.
Early treatment reduces the risk of serious complications like cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. If you test positive for hepatitis C, we can help you understand your treatment options. For many people, antiviral medications can clear the virus in approximately 8 to 12 weeks. Our supportive team can help you navigate your diagnosis, manage your health, and stay encouraged throughout treatment.
Knowing your status may help you prevent the spread of hepatitis C. If you have hepatitis C, you can take precautions to avoid exposing others. Don’t share personal items like razors, towels, and toothbrushes, since these items could have blood on them. If you undergo any medical or cosmetic procedures, make sure the provider is using sterile equipment. These actions can protect you and others in the community.
If your test is negative, you can still use the information to stay proactive. When reviewing your results, ask our team about your risk factors and how to reduce them. While there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, preventive measures can greatly lower your risk. If you engage in activities with a higher likelihood of exposure, regular testing ensures that if you ever contract the virus, it will be caught early and treated promptly.
Can Testing Help Prevent Hepatitis C?
Although testing can’t prevent hepatitis C, knowing your status plays a major role in preventing the spread of the infection. When you are aware of a positive result, you can take steps to protect others. The CDC recommends these steps for preventing the spread of hepatitis C:
- Don’t share needles, syringes, or other drug paraphernalia.
- Don’t share razors, toothbrushes, or other hygiene items.
- Don’t share lancets or glucose monitoring tools.
- Practice good hygiene, including hand washing, when in a health care setting.
- Use sterilized equipment when getting a tattoo or piercing.
- Practice safer sex with condoms and STI testing.
If your test is negative, you should still take proactive steps to protect your health. When reviewing your results, ask our team about your risk factors and how to reduce them. While there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, preventive measures can greatly lower your risk. If you engage in activities with a higher likelihood of exposure, regular testing ensures that if you ever contract the virus, it can be caught early and treated promptly.
How Do I Get Tested for Hepatitis C in Kissimmee?
Getting tested for hepatitis C in Kissimmee is a simple process. You can start by visiting our website and filling out our online form. One of our staff members will reach out to you to schedule an appointment.
Many clients ask us if they need to fast or stop medications before the test. You won’t need to fast or stop medications, but we do recommend that you bring a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications. We may ask questions about your lifestyle and potential risk factors. This helps us provide the personalized care you need. Based on the information you give us, we’ll recommend the appropriate HCV test.
About LifeLine Health Florida
At LifeLine Health Florida, we specialize in providing comprehensive primary care for clients with hepatitis C. No matter your sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural background, or financial status, you’ll find support and care at our Kissimmee location. We’re proud to provide compassionate care in a welcoming environment.
If you’ve been exposed to hepatitis C, you can rely on us for up-to-date information and support. We’ll help you manage your condition and take steps to improve your overall health. Our staff can connect you with financial aid for treatment. We handle case management to help you navigate the healthcare system. Our support services include counseling to help you cope with your diagnosis.
If you’ve been exposed to hepatitis C, contact LifeLife Health Florida to schedule confidential hepatitis C testing.
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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
