When you think about Cempa Community Care’s services, testing and treatment for HIV may come to mind. But did you know that we also provide both testing and treatment for hepatitis C?

While our hepatitis C services may be lesser-known, they’re no less important. Tennessee is among the states with the highest number of residents diagnosed with the condition — nearly 70,000 Tennesseans are living with hepatitis C.

Because hepatitis C can contribute to serious health issues when untreated, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that those between the ages of 18 and 79 be screened for the condition.

Wondering what hepatitis C is, and why testing is so important? Read on as we answer some commonly asked questions.

Q: What is hepatitis?

A: Before we take a deep dive into hepatitis C, let’s talk about hepatitis more broadly. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. There are three types of hepatitis — hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. 

The different types of hepatitis vary in how they are transmitted, as well as how they affect the body. Hepatitis A, for example, is commonly transmitted through contaminated foods containing the virus. Hepatitis C, on the other hand, is transmitted through blood, while hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids. 

Hepatitis C is by far the most prevalent type of hepatitis, affecting around 2.2 million American adults. While hepatitis A and B can be prevented by a vaccine, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Q: What is hepatitis C?

A: There are two key facts to know about this type of hepatitis. First, the condition is curable in more than 95% of cases. But second, around 40% of people who have hepatitis C don’t know they have it, meaning they aren’t receiving treatment.

When the condition is in its initial stages, it may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Over time, though, someone with hepatitis C may experience excessive fatigue, fever, yellowed skin or eyes, appetite changes, joint pain, and digestive symptoms like discolored stools, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

There are two types of hepatitis C infections — acute, which is a short-term infection, and chronic, which is a long-lasting infection. About half of those who are infected with hepatitis C develop a chronic infection, with complications developing over time. Complications of hepatitis C can include liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Those who have chronic hepatitis C are also at an increased risk of developing hepatitis A and B.

Q: Who should be tested for hepatitis C?

A: The short answer is: everyone. All adults should be screened at least once during their lifetime. Pregnant people should be screened during each pregnancy.

Those who have risk factors for hepatitis C should be screened more frequently. Regular testing is recommended for those who inject illegal drugs or share needles and syringes, along with those who have certain medical conditions or have ever received maintenance hemodialysis.

Q: How do I get tested?
Hepatitis C screening is quick and easy. You can receive free testing at Cempa, with results available within 20 minutes. If the hepatitis C antibody test is positive, additional testing will be offered to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the infection. Results of that test are available within two weeks.

Q: How is hepatitis C treated?
A: If you’re diagnosed with hepatitis C, prompt treatment is important. The sooner treatment begins, the less damage the liver undergoes.

The care team at Cempa will create an individualized treatment plan for you, typically including two to three months of taking a daily antiviral medication. When these medications, known as direct-acting antivirals, are taken as directed, they have been shown to cure hepatitis C up to 95% of the time.

Lab work will be done after four weeks of treatment and again 12 weeks after the completion of treatment to ensure the hepatitis C virus has cleared the body.

Those who receive treatment through Cempa will also have access to nutritional counseling from a registered dietitian to help support a well-rounded treatment plan. In addition to these services, Cempa also provides those who have hepatitis C with testing and vaccination for hepatitis A and B, testing for HIV, and guidance about preventing reinfection.

Cempa offers testing, treatment, and other medical care to support whole-body health and well-being. Learn more about the spectrum of services we provide.