Find Hepatitis test
in Suffolk, VA.

Who should get tested for hepatitis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone who has been exposed to blood or body fluids of an infected person should be tested for hepatitis. This includes people who share needles or other drug-injection equipment, people with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, and healthcare workers. Additionally, people born between 1945 and 1965, often referred to as baby boomers, are five times more likely to have hepatitis C and should also be tested.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for hepatitis is crucial because it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including liver damage, liver cancer, and even death. According to the CDC, early detection and treatment can prevent these complications and improve health outcomes. Furthermore, people who know they have hepatitis can take steps to protect their partners and prevent the spread of the disease.

Hepatitis testing options in Suffolk, VA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics provide convenient, same-day hepatitis testing. In Suffolk, you can visit CHKD Urgent Care in Chesapeake, VA. You can book an appointment through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers can also offer hepatitis testing. If you have a regular doctor, they can order the test for you. If not, Solv can help you find a local primary care provider who can.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers and free STD testing clinics in Suffolk and nearby areas that offer hepatitis testing. These include the Doctor's On Call in Virginia Beach, VA.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for hepatitis are also available. These kits allow you to collect a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing. Results are usually available within a few days.

Prevalence of hepatitis in Suffolk

The prevalence of hepatitis in Suffolk is in line with national and state averages. According to the CDC, there were approximately 2.4 million people living with hepatitis C in the United States in 2016. While specific data for Suffolk is not readily available, the Virginia Department of Health reports that there were 6,600 cases of chronic hepatitis C reported in Virginia in 2018.

Risk factors related to hepatitis in Suffolk

Risk factors for hepatitis in Suffolk include injection drug use, unprotected sex, and having a tattoo or piercing done with unsterilized equipment. Additionally, people who were born between 1945 and 1965 are at a higher risk.

Other STDs in Suffolk

In addition to hepatitis, other common STDs in Suffolk include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. According to the Virginia Department of Health, in 2018, there were 36,541 cases of chlamydia, 12,130 cases of gonorrhea, and 1,560 cases of syphilis reported in Virginia. It's important to get tested for these STDs as well, as they can also lead to serious health problems if left untreated.