Acute HepC?

My partner was unfortunately the victim of a needle stick injury, likely to be supporting/recently exposed to a high risk individual.

While HIV is obviously a concern, I was after some HepC infection information.

He has suffered from swollen glands (both armpits, ocasional groin pain) from 23 days post exposure, to now, nearly 6 weeks later. The pain he is experiencing is a general swollen feeling as opposed to individual nodes, and is on both sides of the body.

He tested negative to a HIV and Hep C blood test at 33 days post exposure.

Does this symptom indicate transmission/infection?

[Concernedpartner145]

Any advice? Please?

Should there be other things to test for, syphillus etc?

[meki]

If he has contracted the HCV - he would be in what is considered an ACUTE phase, with symptoms presenting.

However - if he was in acute phase - it would be most definetely "readable" in the tests.

(I think - anyhow - I'm NO expert, by any means).

My first checklist item would be to find out the person who's blood on that needle belonged to --- and what possible diseases they had.

The swelling symptoms and items could be anything --- from common flu to just anything.

I don't really know what to tell you - except to keep at the blood testing and do another  HEP panel ---- and to find out what the person whom he got stuck by might have.

Some states require that out of patients, criminals, etc.

Meki

[meki]

And yeah - I would test for a plethora of items ---- BUT I WOULD ASK YOUR GP first.

[Concernedpartner145]

Unfortunately he hasn't the option to determine the individuals status, at the time the individual most likey to have very recently used the needle was defensive and aggressive.

Would a 33 days blood test suffice? Or is HCV subject to the same window periods as HIV? Is the negative at 33 days encouraging?

He has no other symptoms other than the general swelling - for such a period of time seems very strange, hence why we are becoming anxious and trying to determine where we take the testing from here. Thoughts?

[Tommy420]

For HIV, a negative test at 4 weeks is about 90% accurate...at 6 weeks, it's close to 100%.  As for HCV, I believe the window period is a bit longer. I'd test at 3 months for a peaceful mind. Hopefully everything will be ok.

[Trinity4]

I no expert either but the swollen armpits or lymph nodes in the armpits as well as the groin area ring a familiar bell with me and if I remember correctly my son had those symptoms and was diagnosed with mononucleosis.  If he has any fever or sore throat or body aches with extreme fatigue it may be something he might want to check into.  Just a thought.
Trinity

[Concernedpartner145]

As for an update, armpit glands are still swollen (from day 23 to present, about day 64) and he has had swollen groin glands from day 53 to present.

Trinity - I will have a check for mono, sounds like this should have passed by now by itself though...

All - Can I conclude this doesn't sound like acute Hep C symptoms?

Just over 2 weeks till a conclusive HIV test!

[Concernedpartner145]

Negative HIV test at 70 days, so feeling almost safe on that front.

Armpit and groin glands are still swollen (now over 6 weeks), and a lump can be felt beneath his sternum, which feels like a larger or hardened organ.

Could this be a liver reaction just 10 weeks after exposure?

Would testing for Hep C at 3 months be conclusive?

[Trinity4]

Acute hepc does not present the symptoms you have listed.  With acute hepc jaundice is generally present but not to say it happens all the time.  Flu like symptoms as well.  Sounds to me like some kind of lymph gland infection which should be diagnosed by a doctor.  Yes, a test for hepc at 3 months is conclusive.  But if he is still not comfortable with the results he can be retested in 6 mo.  My son's symptoms persisted for 6 months so can't rule out mono yet.  I hope he will see a doctor and have the necessary blood work which can help diagnose other diseases.  A liver panel can show if the liver enzymes are elevated which is an indication of inflammation in the liver.  Wish you the best.
Trinity  

[Concernedpartner145]

Thanks very much, felt we turned the corner with the HIV test today and have booked a final HIV and HEPC test in 2 weeks (3 months since exposure). Should these results be negative, I guess we will have to look at a broad range of other potential issues, I guess there are many nasties that can be transmitted this way. Hopefully we are clear of the two most concerning.

Thanks for your help!