What is Plaguing Lawrence County?

“Plague: an epidemic disease causing a high rate of mortality.”   Sounds like COVID-19, right? Well yes, but unfortunately we have another plague in Lawrence County….Hepatitis C.

COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in Lawrence County, Ohio.  Unfortunately, so do our Hepatitis C numbers. I am not here to say that one “plague” is worse than another at this time.  As a health care professional, I can tell you both are very important. We have preventative measures for COVID-19.  But, we have no cure for COVID-19. We will have a cure one day, experts are working on it.  The good news is that the experts have already worked on Hepatitis C.  Hepatitis C’s cure is available NOW!

We’ve been in the red for a while now.  No, not just the Ohio county COVID map but the Ohio county Hepatitis C map.

We are #3 in the state of Ohio for Hepatitis C infections.

Why?  The top two populations who have Hepatitis C include 1) baby boomers ,  2) those who have been affected by the opioid epidemic.

It is dangerous to your health to assume you don’t have hepatitis C. False assumptions can lead people to believe they don’t need to be tested or get treatment for hepatitis C.  For example:

• I have had a vaccine

WRONG! There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. There is only a vaccine for hepatitis A and B

• My doctor has probably tested me in with my annual checkup

WRONG! Hepatitis C testing is not a standard test with annual physicals. You must ask to be tested by your doctor unless your physician has had reason to test you prior. Even if you don’t have risk factors, it’s still safe to be tested and know for sure. A blood test specifically for hepatitis C is the only way to tell that you do not have it.

• I have never used drugs/drank, so I don’t have it

WRONG! People falsely assume if they don’t have risk factors then they don’t need to be tested for hepatitis C. People may assume hepatitis C or liver disease only happens to those who have done drugs, drink excessively. In truth, there are many ways to contract hepatitis. Many people have hepatitis C even though they do not have any risk factors.

• I have risk factors, but I feel fine, so I don’t have it

WRONG! Many people have absolutely no symptoms of Hepatitis C.  Hep C

There is a cure for Hepatitis C and I am excited to say I can prescribe it! Don’t assume you do not need screening or testing.  Simply ask your healthcare provider to screen you for Hepatitis through a blood draw.  Take action. Get tested, seek treatment and get cured.  To be screened and treated for Hepatitis C with Family Medical Centers call the office at 740-534-9202

Catherine Collins Wagner, “Katie”, is a Family Nurse Practitioner for Family Medical Centers.  Recently returning to home from Columbus, Ohio, Katie, a Coal Grove, Ohio native provides care to patients ages 5 and up in South Point, Ohio.  Knowing she wanted to make a difference in the community where she grew up and now resides, Katie has partnered with a Hepatologist to provide Hepatitis C treatment.  Katie is passionate about diagnosing, treating and curing illness, especially Hepatitis C.