Find Hepatitis test
in Saint Marys, GA.

Who should get tested for hepatitis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals who are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis should consider getting tested. This includes those who have been in close contact with someone who has hepatitis, people who have used intravenous drugs, men who have sex with men, and those who have received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992. Furthermore, individuals born between 1945 and 1965, often referred to as baby boomers, are five times more likely to have hepatitis C and should get tested.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for hepatitis is crucial as it can lead to severe health complications if left untreated, including liver cancer and cirrhosis. According to the CDC, many people with hepatitis do not experience symptoms until significant liver damage has occurred. Therefore, early detection through testing can help prevent these serious health issues and allow for immediate treatment.

Hepatitis testing options in Saint Marys, GA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics in and around Saint Marys, GA, offer hepatitis testing. For instance, Avecina Medical in nearby Jacksonville, FL, is a highly-rated clinic with short wait times and a clean environment. You can book same-day or next-day appointments through Solv's website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another reliable option for hepatitis testing. They can provide comprehensive testing and follow-up care. If you have a primary care provider in Saint Marys, GA, consider reaching out to them for a hepatitis test.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers in Saint Marys, GA, and the surrounding areas may offer free or low-cost hepatitis testing. These centers are a valuable resource, especially for those without insurance or with limited financial means.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for hepatitis are also available. These kits provide privacy and convenience, as they allow you to take the test at your own comfort and send the sample to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of hepatitis in Saint Marys

The prevalence of hepatitis in Saint Marys, GA, is consistent with national trends. According to the CDC, hepatitis cases have been on the rise in recent years, partly due to the opioid crisis, which has increased the number of people injecting drugs. As Saint Marys is part of Camden County, it shares similar hepatitis prevalence rates with nearby cities like Kings Bay Base, Kingsland, Fernandina Beach, and Yulee.

Risk factors related to hepatitis in Saint Marys

Risk factors for hepatitis in Saint Marys, GA, mirror those at the national level. These include drug use, unprotected sex, and close contact with a person who has hepatitis. It's important for individuals who fall into these risk categories to get tested regularly.

Other STDs in Saint Marys

In addition to hepatitis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis are also present in Saint Marys, GA. The rates of these STDs are similar to those in nearby counties including Bamberg County, Orangeburg County, Colleton County, Aiken County, and Barnwell County. Regular testing is crucial for early detection and treatment of these STDs.