PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There’s a new initiative to aggressively attack a serious form of hepatitis in the United States.
More than two million Americans are infected with Hepatitis C – a liver infection that’s caused by the Hepatitis C virus, also known as HVC – and are at great risk for cirrhosis, liver failure and death.
Many don’t know they have the virus and are not aware there are antiviral medications that can cure them. Nearly 15,000 Americans die from it each year. Ninety-five percent of cases are curable.
If the Biden administration’s proposal is approved, they would attempt to eliminate the virus by making testing and treatment more available.
If you haven’t talked with your doctor about Hepatitis C, it is worth a conversation. Screening tests are also recommended.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.