Find Hepatitis test
in Chattanooga, TN.

Who should get tested for hepatitis?

Anyone who is at risk for hepatitis should consider getting tested. This includes individuals who have been exposed to the virus, those who have had unprotected sex, individuals who have used intravenous drugs, and those who have traveled to countries where hepatitis is prevalent. People with chronic liver disease, HIV, or anyone born between 1945 and 1965, a group identified by the CDC as having a higher rate of hepatitis C, should also get tested.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for hepatitis is crucial as it is often asymptomatic in its early stages, meaning people can carry the virus and infect others without knowing. Early detection can lead to treatments that can slow disease progression, prevent serious liver problems, including liver cancer, and prevent transmission to others. According to the CDC, testing and early detection can reduce the risk of death from hepatitis C by 50%.

Hepatitis testing options in Chattanooga, TN:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in Chattanooga that offer hepatitis testing. For instance, Physicians Care located at 419 N Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37405, is a highly-rated clinic that offers such services. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at this location through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another option for hepatitis testing. They can provide a referral for a blood test, which can detect the presence of hepatitis.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also free STD testing centers and community health centers in Chattanooga that provide hepatitis testing. These centers provide an essential service, particularly for those without insurance or with limited financial resources.

At-home testing

At-home testing is another option. This involves ordering a test kit online, which is then delivered to your home. You collect a sample, send it back to a lab, and receive your results online.

Prevalence of hepatitis in Chattanooga

While specific data for Chattanooga is not readily available, Tennessee as a whole has seen a rise in hepatitis cases. According to the CDC, in 2018, there were 2,214 reported cases of chronic hepatitis B and 5,636 reported cases of chronic hepatitis C in Tennessee. It's important for residents of Chattanooga and surrounding areas, including Lookout Mountain, Signal Mountain, East Ridge, and Fairview, to be aware of this prevalence and consider getting tested.

Risk factors related to hepatitis in Chattanooga

Risk factors for hepatitis in Chattanooga are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include unprotected sex, drug use, travel to areas with high hepatitis prevalence, and having a job that exposes a person to human blood.

Other STDs in Chattanooga

In addition to hepatitis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis are also of concern in Chattanooga. In fact, Hamilton County, where Chattanooga is located, has one of the highest STD rates in Tennessee. Regular testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, particularly if they have multiple partners or are in a high-risk group.