Come out to Rollins College Wellness Center for free HIV and Hep C testing on Feb. 13th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM!
Hepatitis C, often simply called “Hep C,” is a liver infection that’s caused by the hepatitis C virus. This virus is transmitted through contact with the blood of someone else who is infected with Hep C. Chronic cases can result in long-term health problems that can become serious. Many people who have Hep C don’t show any symptoms, which makes testing the only way to know for sure if you have it. If you’re looking for Hep C testing in Tampa, make an appointment at our Tampa clinic today!
The most common reason people have Hep C is that they have shared injection drug equipment with another person who has the hepatitis C virus. This could include shared needles, syringes, or preparation equipment. Even if you have only injected drugs once, you should still be tested.
Less commonly, the infection can be transmitted through sex or by sharing personal care items like a razor or a toothbrush.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that all adults over the age of 18 be tested at least once in a lifetime, but other factors could mean you should be tested more often.
Hepatitis C cases in Florida have been steadily rising, and cases in Hillsborough county are increasing at a faster rate than the state average. In fact, the most recent data from the Florida Department of Health shows that the number of acute cases of Hep C almost tripled between 2019 and 2020.
The great news is that almost anyone with Hep C can be cured in under three months by taking pills given to them by their doctor or medical provider. Once someone has been cured there is no more virus in their blood, which means the damage to their liver will stop and they can’t transmit the virus to anyone else.
When you come to one of our clinics for Hep C testing in Tampa, Kissimmee, or Orlando, you’ll be greeted by a friendly face as soon as you walk in the door. Members of our healthcare team will take you to a private room and get your health history from you. Our team will collect a blood sample from you and send it to a lab for testing. The appointment will be quick and easy, and you should have your results in only a few days.
At Harmony Healthcare Orlando, we provide all of our services at no cost. When you come to us for treatment or testing, you’ll never experience any judgment or disrespect that you may have received at other clinics in the past. We believe that high-quality, caring health services are meant for everyone. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. We can’t wait to help you take charge of your health!
