Find Hepatitis test
in Summit, NJ.

Who should get tested for hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a serious health concern that can affect anyone. However, certain groups are at a higher risk and should consider getting tested. These include individuals who have been exposed to blood or body fluids of an infected person, those who have had unprotected sex with multiple partners, people who have used intravenous drugs, and individuals with a history of long-term, chronic liver disease. Additionally, healthcare workers, individuals who have traveled to countries with high rates of hepatitis, and those born between 1945 and 1965 should also consider getting tested, according to the CDC.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for hepatitis is crucial as it allows for early detection and treatment, potentially preventing serious health complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Moreover, knowing your hepatitis status can help prevent the spread of the virus to others. According to the CDC, many people with hepatitis do not experience symptoms until significant liver damage has occurred, making regular testing vital for those at risk.

Hepatitis testing options in Summit, NJ:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics provide convenient and accessible hepatitis testing services. One such highly-rated facility in the area is Carbon Health Urgent Care located in Green Brook Township, NJ, which offers same-day and next-day appointments that can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another viable option for hepatitis testing. Your primary care physician can provide a referral for the test or may even be able to conduct the test in their office.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers and free STD testing clinics also offer hepatitis testing. These centers provide an important service, particularly for those who may not have health insurance or who are seeking confidential testing.

At-home testing

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

Prevalence of hepatitis in Summit

While specific data for Summit, NJ is not readily available, Essex County, where Summit is located, has seen a steady increase in hepatitis cases over the past few years, according to the CDC. This trend aligns with national data, which shows a rise in hepatitis cases across the United States.

Risk factors related to hepatitis in Summit

Risk factors for hepatitis in Summit are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include unprotected sex, intravenous drug use, and exposure to infected blood or body fluids. The increase in hepatitis cases in the area may be due to a combination of these risk factors.

Other STDs in Summit

In addition to hepatitis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis are also prevalent in Summit and surrounding areas. These STDs also share similar risk factors with hepatitis and can often co-occur. It is important to get tested for all STDs if you are at risk.