The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people between the ages of 47 and 67 need to be tested for Hepatitis C.
The agency says baby boomers are the group most likely to be infected with the blood-borne virus and many middle-aged Americans likely contracted it decades ago.
Hepatitis C is a disease that gradually damages the liver.
The problem is most people don't have symptoms, so you might not know you have the disease until the damage is done.
Like a lot of men, Donald Kell used to put off going to the doctor. But five years ago, the 52-year-old Suwanee father of three finally went in for a checkup, because he was so tired that it was hard to function.
"Seriously, I got to where I would go to my office, sit in my desk and within five minutes, I had a hard time holding my head up. My head would drop and I would fall asleep," said Kell.
A blood test showed Kell has Hepatitis C. He believes he contracted it when he was 24 through infected blood products he was given after a motorcycle accident.
For nearly two and half decades, Hepatitis C was damaging Kell's liver without him ever knowing he had it.
"Because it sits there for years and years and years and doesn't give you any warning that it's there," said Kell.
The CDC estimates more than 3 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis C -- 75 percent of them are baby boomers. It's the leading cause of liver transplants and liver cancer.
So why baby boomers? Blood products weren't routinely screened for Hepatitis C until the early 1990s. Like Kelly, boomers may have been infected in their teens and 20s, through either tainted blood, contaminated medical equipment, or IV drug use.
"It would have been a lot easier if I had known earlier. I wish I'd known so much earlier. It would have made all the difference in the world," said Kelly.
Because today there are treatments, the CDC says can cure up to 75 percent of patients with Hepatitis C.
"Most of the time, if people catch it early enough, they can save your liver," said Kell.
Donald says his liver is severely scarred.
"Even with the newest medicines that are out, my chances of curing this disease at this point are very slim," said Kelly.
But Kell is trying. He's heading up an online support group for people living with Hepatitis C and pushing everyone he knows to get the blood test the CDC is recommending.
"I think that's so important, it's unbelievable. I've called, personally called most of my friends and begged them to be tested," said Kell.
THE CDC says baby boomers are more than five times more likely to have Hepatitis C than other age groups.
If you were born between 1945 and 1965, the CDC says you should get tested.
All you need is a simple one-time blood test in your doctor's office.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
Thursday, May 16 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-16 04:02:20 GMT
Hundreds of American troops have lost a leg or arm in Afghanistan because of improvised explosive devices or homemade bombs.
Hundreds of American troops have lost a leg or arm in Afghanistan because of improvised explosive devices or homemade bombs. It was 29-year-old John Kremer's job to find those hidden bombs, and safely destroy them. That's what the Buford man was trying to do, when one of them exploded right under his feet.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-15 22:42:54 GMT
"You're fired!" Those are two words you never want to hear from anyone, especially your own doctor. But that can happen when patients and physicians don't see eye-to-eye.
"You're fired!" Those are two words you never want to hear from anyone, especially your own doctor. But that can happen when patients and physicians don't see eye-to-eye.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-14 11:48:46 GMT
There are more than 31 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D. And according to a recent survey, more than a third are worried about prescription drug costs.
There are more than 31 million Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D. And according to a recent survey, more than a third are worried about prescription drug costs.
1551 Briarcliff Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Main Number: (404) 875-5555 News Tips: (404) 898-0100
