Find Hepatitis test
in Alexandria, VA.

Who should get tested for hepatitis?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 18 and 79 get tested for hepatitis C, regardless of risk factors. This is due to the fact that many people with hepatitis C do not know they are infected and can live for decades without feeling sick. Additionally, anyone who has ever injected drugs, received a blood transfusion before 1992, or was born to a mother with hepatitis C should also get tested. Those with HIV, men who have sex with men, and individuals with multiple sexual partners should consider testing for hepatitis A and B as well.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for hepatitis is crucial as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Early detection allows for treatment that can slow disease progression, prevent health problems, and increase lifespan. According to the CDC, testing is the only way to know if you are infected.

Hepatitis testing options in Alexandria, VA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics provide quick, convenient testing services. Highly rated clinics in the area include Cedar Hill Urgent Care in Washington, DC and AFC Urgent Care Burke in Burke, VA. Both clinics offer same-day and next-day appointments which can be booked through Solv's website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers can also conduct hepatitis testing. If you already have a primary care provider, you can ask them about getting tested during your next visit.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also free STD testing and community health centers in Alexandria and surrounding areas that offer hepatitis testing. These centers provide testing to individuals regardless of their ability to pay.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of hepatitis in Alexandria

While exact numbers for Alexandria are not readily available, Virginia as a whole has a higher rate of hepatitis C compared to the national average. The CDC reports that there were 2,768 cases of chronic hepatitis C reported in Virginia in 2016. The prevalence of hepatitis in Alexandria may be influenced by various factors including drug use and unprotected sex.

Risk factors related to hepatitis in Alexandria

Risk factors for hepatitis in Alexandria include injection drug use, unprotected sex, and having a mother with hepatitis C. Other risk factors include being born between 1945 and 1965, having HIV, or having received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992.

Other STDs in Alexandria

In addition to hepatitis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis are also prevalent in Alexandria. These diseases often share similar risk factors with hepatitis, including unprotected sex and drug use. Regular testing for all STDs/STIs is recommended for those at risk.