Find Hepatitis test
in Gardner, KS.

Who should get tested for hepatitis?

Hepatitis, a viral infection that inflames the liver, can be contracted by anyone, but certain individuals are at a higher risk. According to the CDC, those who should consider getting tested include individuals who have been exposed to blood or body fluids of an infected person, individuals who have had unprotected sex with an infected person, individuals who share needles or other drug-injecting equipment, and individuals born to a hepatitis-infected mother.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for hepatitis is crucial because it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including liver disease, liver cancer, and even death. Early detection can help prevent these complications and allow for effective treatment. Additionally, knowing your hepatitis status can help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Hepatitis testing options in Gardner, KS:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics provide convenient and accessible hepatitis testing services. For example, NextCare Urgent Care in nearby Lee's Summit, MO, offers same-day and next-day appointments for testing, which can be booked through Solv's website or mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers can also conduct hepatitis tests. If you have a regular doctor in Gardner, KS, consider discussing your concerns and they can guide you through the testing process.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often offer free or low-cost STD testing, including for hepatitis. While there may be income or residency restrictions, these centers can provide an affordable option for those without insurance or with limited resources.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option for hepatitis testing. These kits can be ordered online, used in the privacy of your own home, and then sent to a lab for results.

Prevalence of hepatitis in Gardner

While specific data for Gardner, KS, is not readily available, Johnson County, where Gardner is located, has seen a steady increase in hepatitis cases over the past few years, according to the CDC. This trend is in line with national data, which shows an increase in hepatitis cases across the country.

Risk factors related to hepatitis in Gardner

Risk factors for hepatitis in Gardner are likely similar to those in other parts of the country. These include unprotected sex, sharing needles or other drug-injecting equipment, and having a mother who is infected with hepatitis. Other factors, such as the prevalence of other STDs in the area, can also contribute to the risk of hepatitis.

Other STDs in Gardner

In addition to hepatitis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis are also present in Gardner and the surrounding Johnson County area. These STDs can increase the risk of contracting hepatitis, and vice versa, making regular testing for all STDs important for those at risk.