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World Hepatitis Day

Hepatitis C screening urged for Red Deer boomers

Jul 25, 2019 | 12:00 PM

The average rate of hepatitis C infection in Alberta is above the national average, according to Public Health Agency of Canada. Many are unaware they have the blood-borne virus because it can take decades before symptoms become evident. It has been estimated that nine in ten people living with hepatitis are unaware that they have the life-threatening infection.

In an effort to improve awareness of the need for testing and the treatment options available for the potentially liver-destroying virus, London Drugs is hosting hepatitis C screening and awareness events in Red Deer leading up to World Hepatitis Day on July 28th. Hepatitis C Educators will be at London Drugs offering expert advice and encouraging screening, particularly among higher risk populations.

Recent guidelines recommend that all Canadians born between 1945 and 1975 get screened. There is an elevated risk among that age group due to inferior infection prevention and control practices and blood products that went unscreened prior to 1992.

“Hepatitis C is a silent epidemic partly because most people do not know if they are infected but also because the stigma of the disease prevents many from getting tested,” says Doug Highman, Pharmacy Manager at London Drugs in Red Deer. “Offering accessible hepatitis C screening and education right at the pharmacy helps increase awareness of the disease, and expands access to treatment.”

Anyone can undertake a simple finger prick test to check if they have been exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV). The test, called the OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test, is more than 99 per cent accurate at detecting HCV antibodies and provides results in 20 minutes.

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In the case of a positive result, pharmacists send patients for further confirmatory lab testing. The patient will then be connected to a physician – either their family doctor or a hepatologist – for diagnosis. Pharmacists also provide education about the curative therapies available.

“Testing positive for hepatitis C is not a death sentence anymore. The cure rate is over 95 per cent. Treatment involves taking antiviral medications daily for eight to 12 weeks,” says Highman.

More information and a complete schedule of hepatitis C screening and awareness events at London Drugs leading up to World Hepatitis Day on July 28 can be found here.

The OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test is always available by appointment at the London Drugs in Red Deer. Patients should call the pharmacy to book an appointment. The cost of the test is $24.