According to the CDC, anyone who has been exposed to the hepatitis virus, either through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from a mother to her baby during childbirth, should consider getting tested. This includes individuals who have had unprotected sex with an infected person, those who have used intravenous drugs, and healthcare workers who have been exposed to infected blood. Additionally, people born between 1945 and 1965, also known as the Baby Boomer generation, are at a higher risk and should also get tested for hepatitis.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for hepatitis is crucial as it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, including liver damage, liver cancer, and even death. Early detection can help prevent these complications and allow for timely treatment. According to the CDC, many people with hepatitis do not experience symptoms until the disease has progressed, making regular testing important for those at risk.

Hepatitis testing options in Morganton, NC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in and around Morganton, NC, where you can get tested for hepatitis. These include Psalms Urgent Care Center located at 200 S College St, Morganton, NC 28655, and FastMed Urgent Care at 178 NC-105 Extension, Boone, NC 28607. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at these clinics through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers in Morganton and nearby cities like Drexel, Glen Alpine, and Valdese also offer hepatitis testing. It's important to check with your healthcare provider about the availability of this service.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers and free STD testing clinics in Morganton and surrounding counties like Madison County, Raleigh County, and Fayette County also provide hepatitis testing. It's advisable to contact these centers directly for more information about their services and to schedule an appointment.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for hepatitis are also available and can be a convenient option. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days.

Prevalence of hepatitis in Morganton

While specific data for Morganton is not readily available, Burke County, where Morganton is located, has seen a steady increase in hepatitis cases over the years, mirroring the national trend. This rise could be attributed to various factors such as increased drug use and unprotected sexual activity.

Risk factors related to hepatitis in Morganton

Risk factors for hepatitis in Morganton include unprotected sex, intravenous drug use, and having a mother who is infected with the virus. Additionally, the Baby Boomer population in Morganton, as in the rest of the country, is at a higher risk of hepatitis infection.

Other STDs in Morganton

In addition to hepatitis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis are also prevalent in Morganton and surrounding areas. As with hepatitis, regular testing is crucial for early detection and treatment of these diseases. Testing for these STDs can be done at the same locations mentioned above.

Sources

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