What Hepatitis C services do you offer?
We provide free 20-minute testing in Edgewood (410-612-1779) and Bel Air (410-638-3060). We also offer Hepatitis C linkage to care. With treatment, a patient can be cured of the disease in as little as 8-12 weeks.
Please call (410) 612-1779 for an appointment. Some services may be available virtually via telehealth.
Clinic locations:
1321 Woodbridge Station Way
Edgewood, MD 21040
410-612-1779
1 N. Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3060
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C, or Hep C, for short, is a bloodborne virus that can cause cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. Though some people clear the virus naturally, many develop a chronic infection that doesn’t go away without treatment.
Who is at risk?
Baby boomers and people who have ever injected drugs, even once, are most at risk.
How do I know if I have Hepatitis C?
Getting tested is the only way to know for sure.
Acute Hepatitis C (early infection, 1-3 months after infection) rarely causes symptoms. When it does, they may include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, fever, and muscle aches. Acute symptoms may last 2 weeks-3 months.
Chronic Hepatitis C (later, established infection, often 20+ years after infection) symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, nausea or vomiting, lack of appetite, bleeding or bruising, and dark urine.
How does treatment work?
We will link you to care, where they will run your bloodwork to confirm your Hepatitis C diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Most patients opt for an 8-week or 12-week course of medication. After completing, most patients are completely cured of Hepatitis C.
Cure does not mean you are immune to Hepatitis C. If you are exposed again, you may again contract Hepatitis C. Our team will provide education to help you prevent reinfection.
What about side effects?
Long gone are the days of serious side effects from interferon medications. Today’s Hepatitis C cures have few to no side effects.
What if I drink or use drugs?
Some providers, especially in the past, would not provide Hepatitis C treatment to people who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs. Evidence suggests that treatment is effective regardless of a patient’s substance use, and we therefore do not require abstinence of our patients. If you do struggle with substance use, we will offer support and referrals to substance use services if you’re interested in getting help.
Don’t I have to have liver damage to qualify for treatment?
In the past, some insurance companies would not pay for Hepatitis C treatment unless significant liver damage had already occurred. This is no longer the case. We want to get you cured BEFORE any damage happens.
Where can I learn more?
