Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C infection is a contagious liver disease caused by a virus.  It is the most common chronic blood borne infection in the United States.  Hepatitis C is poorly transmitted sexually, and more commonly transmitted by injection drug use, history of blood transfusion, tattoos, or being born to an infected mother.

Who is at risk?

• Injection drug users
• Persons who live in correctional facilities
• Persons who have been diagnosed with other STDs such as HIV
• Health care workers who may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids
• Persons born between 1945-1965
• Persons who received blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
• Sexual exposures can result in transmission of HCV, although much less frequent

What are the signs and symptoms?

New or acute Hepatitis C infection may or may not have symptoms.  If symptoms do appear, they usually occur 2-24 weeks after exposure.   Symptoms of acute Hepatitis C may include:

Most persons with chronic Hepatitis C infection have no symptoms.  However, it is possible for chronic Hepatitis C infection to progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Testing

Hepatitis C can be tested with a simple blood test.  The initial blood test looks for the presence of Hepatitis C antibodies.  Further testing should be done if antibodies are present to determine what treatment should be provided.  HCV can be detected 4-10 weeks after infection with antibody testing, although may take up to 3-6 months to detect.  There is a test that can detect as early as 2-3 weeks after infection called HCV RNA.   This test is more costly than the Hepatitis C antibody test.

Everyone born between the years 1945-1965 should be tested due to a higher risk of transmission during that period.

Treatment

Hepatitis C treatment should be managed by a health care specialist such as an infectious disease physician, gastroenterologist, or hepatologist (liver specialist).  New treatments are in the process of development.  Currently treatment is a combination of medications that suppress the virus and attempt to decrease the amount of the virus in the body.

Important care should be taken including avoiding alcohol and checking with a health care professional before taking any new supplements or medications.

Prevention

It is important that patients with Hepatitis C be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B to prevent further complications.

Patients with HCV infection should not donate blood, organs, or tissues.  They should also not share razors or toothbrushes.  It is important to notify sex partners to be tested and treated if needed.

 STD Testing

• A Very Discreet, Private STD Clinic

  • We test and treat, while others test only
  • Appointments available – walk-ins welcome at our main clinics
  • Just tell the receptionists that you are here for “testing”
  • Private consultation rooms to discuss what testing you want
  • Test results usually within 48-72 hours
  • Private consultation with Clinician before or after testing available for $65
  • We offer early detection HIV testing (as early as 2-4 weeks after exposure)
  • All testing done with a simple blood sample and/or urine sample (no physical exam needed)
  • Option to look up your test results online or be emailed to you.  Clinician will call you and review all positive results
  • Your credit card statement will discreetly show payment to “The Vaccine Center”

   

  • Have questions or not sure how the STD testing process works?  The call is private and free.
  • Speak to a STD Counselor for free at (702) 712-4185.

   

   

We do STD testing for:

Our private clinic is supervised by Board Certified Physicians. We also have on staff Board Certified Nurse Practioners, Licensed Registered Nurses and Medical Assistants. Our staff is discreet and professional.

We provide complete STD testing. Our testing is fast, reliable and very affordable. All our laboratory testing are drawn in our office. This provides our clients the convenience of having their laboratory testing and consultation (if requested) and treatment all at the same location.

Our friendly and professional staff will be able to answer all your questions regarding STD testing. We can also provide a full consultation with our clinicians (with an appointment) before and after your testing if you wish. Our clinicians can offer you all the treatment options if needed.

Why go to a STD clinic where you also can’t get treatment? We provide both testing and treatment.

In addition, we carry vaccines that can help prevent certain STDs such as:

• HPV Vaccine
• Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Hepatitis A Vaccine

Both our locations are located in storefront clinics in retail shopping centers, so often you can park right in front of our clinic.

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