Hocking Valley Community Hospital opens Hepatitis C Clinic

LOGAN — Hocking Valley Community Hospital has a new Hepatitis C Clinic to help cure those who have been infected with the virus.

“If appropriate, the clinic will prescribe a 12-week course of oral tablet medication. The tablets have up to a 98% cure rate for Hepatitis C,” Dr. Conner Hosner, of HVCH Rural Health Clinic, explained. “Everyone aged 18 years and older should get tested for hepatitis C at least once in their life according to the CDC.”

Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease. Left untreated, chronic Hepatitis C can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. The virus (HCV) spreads through contact with blood that has the virus in it.

“Many people do not have symptoms, so testing is the only way to know if you have hepatitis C,” Hosner said. “The test is quick and easy and can help protect your family and friends.”

Certain people have higher risk factors for contracting HCV, including those who inject drugs and share needles or other drug equipment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than half of United States people who inject drugs have an HCV infection. A person with an untreated HCV infection who shares drug equipment could infect an additional 20 people with the virus over the course of three years.

Those found positive for Hepatitis C or who would like to be tested can call the clinic at 740-385-0202 to schedule an appointment.

The treatment tablet is taken once per day for 12 weeks. Those who begin treatment can easily pick up their medication at Shrivers Pharmacy of Logan. Local delivery also is available. The medication is covered by Medicaid and Medicare and programs are available to help make medication affordable.

To learn more about Hocking Valley Community Hospital, visit www.hvch.org .

Hocking Valley is a community non-profit hospital with an emergency department, urgent care and a wide variety of clinical, specialty and outpatient services. For more information, contact the Community Relations office at (740) 380-8336.

Submitted by HVCH