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Greg Powell is among many Canadians born between 1945 and 1975, a group with the highest rate of chronic hepatitis C in Canada. In the 1980s Greg contracted hepatitis C, but was diagnosed over a decade later. Prior to the news, Greg suffered from hemophilia B, a hereditary bleeding disorder, which required him to undergo a series of blood transfusions. He later learned it was through one of these transfusions that he contracted hepatitis C.
Despite being told the virus was moving slowly, Greg eventually went into liver failure and he found himself on a transplant list. Fortunately, Greg was able to join a clinical trial for a medication that helped to treat and cure his disease.
“Prior to my diagnosis I didn’t have any symptoms,” said Greg. “But I eventually got really sick and was told a liver transplant may not change the outcome. I didn’t know how much time I had left. I’m thankful I had a wonderful support system, and that I was treated and cured.”
Hepatitis C rarely comes with a warning, and often does not show symptoms until the liver is severely damaged. The disease is caused by a virus that attacks the liver and puts people at risk of developing complications including, cirrhosis, liver cancer and ultimately death from liver failure.
It is important for Canadians born between 1945 and 1975 to understand their increased risk and to be tested for hepatitis C. The Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver recently published guidelines on managing hepatitis C, recommending Canadians also be tested based on age, not just risk factors.
“My advice is to get tested, and if you are diagnosed with hepatitis C, get treated so you can be cured,” said Greg.
The hepatitis C antibody test is a simple blood test covered by all provincial health care plans. Take the Canadian Liver Foundation’s questionnaire to see if you are at risk. Visit www.liver.ca/ThisIsYourWarning for more information.
Source: https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/shopping-story/8746165-hepatitis-c-the-disease-with-no-warning/