By Charlene Tebbutt

Health practitioners urge testing ahead of World Hepatitis C Day

Jul 25, 2018 | 10:00 AM

It can happen with as little as one drop of blood, and health officials are asking everyone to learn more about the risks of Hepatitis C and get tested as World Hepatitis Day approaches on Saturday.

Dr. Morris Markentin, a family doctor who specializes in addictions and treatment for people with HIV and Hepatitis C says the number of people with Hepatitis C continues to grow across the province, with very high rates in Prince Albert. While the disease is often associated with drug use and a high-risk lifestyle, Markentin says tattoos and travelling can also lead to infection and he’s urging everyone to get tested to be sure. 

The Centre for Disease Control in Canada says three out of every four people with Hepatitis C were born between 1945 and 1965. 

“You don’t know you have it until you get tested,” Dr. Markentin told paNOW.

“Even if it was once, so once in college or high school, you snorted coke with your friends, you should get tested, and the reason you should get tested is because there’s now a cure.

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Advances in medicine have led to an improved cure with fewer side effects, meaning people with Hepatitis C have a 98 per cent chance of being cured after eight to 12 weeks on medication. Not getting treatment however, can lead to more serious illnesses, such as cirrhosis of the liver or cancer, or chronic symptoms including constant fatigue and severe arthritis.

“So it’s still good to get treated, so that they feel better, and also get treated so they don’t spread it to anybody,” Markentin added.“It’s a chronic viral illness … it can hang in there for a long time.”

Access Place and the Gate, a drop-in centre for vulnerable people in Prince Albert, are planning an event Friday afternoon to raise awareness and encourage more people to get tested for Hepatitis C. Linea Lanoie, director with the Gate says everyone is welcome to attend the event, and hot dogs and snacks will be served.

The event runs from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“The population we serve is at risk for contracting Hepatitis C and we want them to know that they can be tested for it and there is treatment,” she said.

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt