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MedHelp Member's Question

????'s on transmission

by worried bro/dad, Feb 01, 2002 12:00AM
My sister has hepatitus c.She recieved treatment approx.10years ago.The desiese went in remission until a year ago.I don't know much about this awful condion.She wants to babysit my 5yr.old and my 16 mos. old. What are the risks of my boys catching this from my sister? I don't feel comfortable letting my sister know about my concerns even though she wouldn't think any thing of it.If anyone has any information, PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Member Comments (10)

by brownfamily, Apr 12, 2008 06:37PM
To: health care providers
my brother has been diagnosed with hepatitis c and lives in my home, I have children who range in age from 23 to 12 and I would like to know if we are at risk of catching hepatitis C

by jdwithhcv, Apr 12, 2008 08:29PM
To: brownfamily
Here's some information to help you feel easier about your family and your brother.  Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact.  Here are some examples of ways it can be passed:

* Sharing a razor - shaving nicks can leave blood on the blade and therefore there is a potential exchange of blood;

* Sharing a toothbrush - bleeding gums can leave blood on the toothbrush, another potential exchange of blood;

* Sharing manicure/pedicure equipment;

* Sharing a straw to snort drugs such as cocaine;

* Sharing needles;

* Rough unprotected sex;

* Cleaning up infected blood without gloves;

* Getting a tatoo or piercing.

This is not an exhaustive list, but I hope it will help you take simple precautions.

by meki, Apr 12, 2008 08:41PM
Brownfamily -

YOU ARE ALWAYS AT RISK for catching hepc.

However, the chances are slim to none - as long as you aren't in a position to be sharing blood products.

The concept is this: Don't share razors, nail files, nail clippers, toothbrushes - or other items that might contain blood products.

If someone gets cut - be careful and use universal precautions.

HCV requires that an infected person have their blood be introduced to an open, actively bleeding area on an uninfected person in order to be passed.

Just so you are aware - I was infected - without knowledge... Had GREAT sex with the hubby - during every possible part of the month --- was in a major accident with the kids and hubby --- have had various accidents where blood was involved in the house....

AND NONE OF THEM WERE INFECTED.

So - yah - it's possible to possibly transmit at home - but - it's very unlikely.

So - him living there - take universal precautions - but don't overly worry --- and get everyone tested every 2 years.

Hugs,

Meki

by Mary4now, Apr 12, 2008 10:15PM
Its very unfortunate that you dont know much about a disease that has affected a family member, please do some research.
As mentioned it is a blood to blood disease so................... it can only be transmitted by blood.  Talk with your sister about it, I'm sure she knows about it.  The fear is greatest when you are ignorant about the virus.  The reality is that 80% of the people that have hep c virus dont even know they have it.  That is even scarier.....

by Mary4now, Apr 12, 2008 10:17PM
In addition, to think that you are this concerned for your children but cannot talk to your sister says something very disturbing.  Please care enough about your sister to talk with her, it will make you feel better and I'm sure help you face some of your own unfounded fears.  Remember the only thing to fear is fear itself.  Show your sister you care about everyone involved.

by Trinity4, Apr 12, 2008 10:47PM
To: all
I haven't ever read anyone saying that they went into remission after tx for hepc.  Either they reach SVR or they don't.  And ten years later the disease shows back up?  Wondering if
maybe your sister never cleared the disease after treatment 10 yrs ago.or was reinfected.  Can anyone comment on this?
Trinity

by Mary4now, Apr 13, 2008 01:30PM
I have never heard it referred to as remission, only cleared and if she was clear for 10 yrs. she must have been reinfected.  That is just my thought.  

by GoodByeHepC, Apr 14, 2008 08:32AM
To: worried & BrownFamily
I have been married to my wife for 13 years.

We have conducted our lives in a normal affectionate manor.

My wife has never contracted HCV.

Bottom line:

Can you trust your brother-sister-children to have appropriate relationships?

If so, there is almost nothing to worry about.

best regards

by JennyPenny, Apr 14, 2008 10:55AM
To: worried bro & Brown Family
I'd like to share my story with you and perhaps it will make you feel better. I was infected in 1966 due to a serious auto accident and many blood transfusions. The accident happened one year after I was married. I was diagnosed with hep C in 1991 (2 years after the test became available). So I lived with hep C for 25 years unaware that I was carrying a chronic disease. I had cirrhosis when I was diagnosed. My husband does not have hep C. My daughters who were born in 1967 and 1970 do not have the disease. Remember I was unaware. No one in my family used precautions. I know my girls used my razor often and sometimes picked up the wrong toothbrush. All of these things are potential ways to transmit the virus. But no one got it. It is difficult to transmit the virus amongst family members. But like someone else posted, the real threats are when the person is unaware and no precautions are taken.

It is not necessary for family members to be tested over and over again. The CDC does not recommend more than one test for the family members. Precautions should be taken around the infected person's blood and everyone should know not to use anyone else's personal hygeine items. Your family members will be safe being babysat by an infected person or living with an infected person.

by nygirl7, Apr 14, 2008 12:53PM
I had the disease and gave birth to two healthy children before I found out that I had it.  Once I did I had them tested immediately (we've shared toothbrushes, razors everything I can think of over the years I'm sure) and they both tested negative.

My son even used to bandage all my many many myriad of cuts (and I am a clutz) over the years and is fine.

So as agree with above as long - you're sister is not going to cause any harm to any child or you anywhere.  She's probably sweating it more than you are and would never take an unreasonable chance.

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