CREMONA – To protect yourself fromHepatitis C a blood sample is enough: early diagnosis is the most effective way to fight infection. For this the Asst of Cremona adheres to the campaign of screening for chronic HCV hepatitis C, promoted by the Ministry of Health and aimed at people born between 1969 and 1989.
HEPATITIS C: WHAT IT IS
Chronic HCV Hepatitis C is an iinfection caused by a virus affecting the liver, causing inflammation that tends to become chronic. Hepatitis C is transmitted through the blood, through practices and behaviors that can carry infected blood and biological fluids. The infection is often asymptomatic: chronicization can cause progressive scarring of the liver and finally cirrhosis, a risk factor for the development of liver cancer.
WHY JOIN THE SCREENING
“Having available drugs of great potency and minimal toxicity that allow to cure hepatitis C, the organization of a screening system for this disease in one of the populations in the age group at greatest risk of infection represents an important tool for public health “, comments Angelo Pan, director of the Infectious Diseases Unit of Asst of Cremona. “The benefits given by the identification of cases of hepatitis C affect both the individual, who can easily treat a chronic developmental disease, and the community, for the reduction of the spread of HCV infections”.
As Dr. Pan explains, “the diagnosis is made with a simple blood sample, which will be followed by the report with the result, which can also be consulted on the electronic health record. In case of positivity, the person will be contacted by our operators to start the healing process from Hepatitis C. In addition to prescribing all the necessary tests, taking charge includes the initiation of antiviral treatment and the recognition of the dedicated exemption.
COME
Adherence to the screening is free and direct, you do not need a prescription or a reservation: you just need to have it with you health card and go to one of the Asst di Cremona sampling points spread throughout the area, (Cremona and Oglio Po hospitals and accredited structures – see list below). HCV screening may also be requested in conjunction with other blood tests or pre-scheduled services.
DOVE
Withdrawal Point Cremona Hospital
Largo Priori, 1 – Hall 15 (hospital entrance)
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 7.30 to 10.15
Withdrawal Point Oglio Po Hospital
Via Staffolo, 51 – Vicomoscano (Casalmaggiore) ground floor, at the outpatient clinic
Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 7.30 to 9.15
Withdrawal Point New Robbiani
Via Inzani, 4 – Soresina
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 7.30 to 9.15
Withdrawal Point Cremona Welfare
Via Bonomelli, 81 – Cremona
Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 7 to 9.30
Withdrawal Point Med CTS
Via Berlinguer – Gadesco Pieve Delmona
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8 to 19.30 on Saturday, from 8 to 12:30
Withdrawal Point Assistance Project
Via Sandor Petofi, 4 – Casalmaggiore
Hours: Monday to Friday from 7.30 to 10.30 Saturday from 7.30 to 9.30
Withdrawal Point Cremona Aid
Via Garibaldi, 99 – Bishopric
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8.45am to 12.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday also from 4pm to 6pm