New research says hep C epidemic not caused by 1960s sex and drug lifestyle

Peak of hep C infection epidemic actually occurred in 1950, not 1965 as previously thought

A new study, worked on by B.C. researchers, says baby boomers living a sex and drug lifestyle in the 1960s aren’t to blame for hepatitis C infections in their demographic.

In fact, the research suggests all baby boomers should be tested for the hep C virus because widespread hospital practices predating the 1950’s likely led to many accidental transmissions.

“Hepatitis C among baby boomers has been previously linked to sex and drugs,” said Dr. Jeff Joy, lead author. “As such, [hep C] testing has long carried a substantial stigma. Our results should go a long way to remove this persistent barrier to testing among baby boomers.”

Researchers from the BC Centre of Excellence in HIV/AIDS and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention back-dated 40,000 cases of hep C and discovered the peak of the infection epidemic actually occurred in 1950, not 15 years later during the height of the North American sex and drug revolution, as was previously thought.

Scroll to Top

Canada Post has provided notification of restarting their operations on December 17, 2024. As Canada Post ramps up and stabilizes their services, the BC-CfE will continue the following measures on an interim basis to minimize service disruption to BC-CfE clients and providers.

  • The BC-CfE Laboratory will utilize private courier for delivery of outgoing reports and documents. (Lab Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8775; FAX 604-806-9463)
  • The BC-CfE Drug Treatment Program (DTP) will fax outgoing forms and documents to the provider’s office. (DTP Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8515; FAX 604-806-9044)
  • St. Paul’s Hospital Ambulatory Pharmacy will utilize private courier for delivery of medications. (Contact Information: Phone 1-800-547-3622; FAX 604-806-8675)

Start typing and press enter to search