Why is Hepatitis C screening important?

Hepatitis C screening is crucial primarily because most infections become chronic and are often asymptomatic until significant liver damage has already occurred. This characteristic of Hepatitis C means that individuals may not be aware they are infected and, therefore, do not seek treatment until the disease has progressed to a more severe stage, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Early detection through screening can lead to timely interventions that can help manage the disease, reduce liver damage, and improve patient outcomes.

In contrast, while some infections may be acute and symptomatic, this is not the predominant scenario for Hepatitis C. Many people remain asymptomatic for years, highlighting the importance of screening. Additionally, the assertion that moving to certain states requires screening does not apply broadly and is not a recognized reason for screening. Lastly, there has been significant advancement in Hepatitis C treatment, with many effective therapies available, making the statement about the lack of effective treatment inaccurate.