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Hepatitis C (Expert Forum)
Am I at risk for Hep C?
Answered by
Douglas Dieterich, MD - Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology
The Mount Sinai Medical Center
New York - NY
Questions posted in the Hepatitis C Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Am I at risk for Hep C?
by sportygirl89, Jan 11, 2009 02:41PM
Hi,
I am a heterosexual 19 year old female. I have several worries about hep c. First of all my boyfriend and I have unprotected sex, and sometimes I'm a little dry. However he has never injected drugs and is not in any of the risk groups. He has been tested for HIV but I don't think he was ever tested for Hep C. Also, I live in a dorm and I have a shower caddy that I leave out in the bathroom, with my razor in it. I'm afraid that somebody who had hep C could use my razor and for all I know, I could have it right now. (then again I doubt anyone would do this, but whatever). I've also had cuts on my hands when I've gone to the gym, and then I've held weights and stuff, and it's possible that a HCV positive person could have touched those weights before me, right? I feel kinda confused. Also, my mom used to date a guy who was in prison for a month and got into 1 fistfight (although he said they gave everyone a complete physical going into prison so presumably he would know if the other guy had it, or he would have been put in a different area of the prison). he never lived in our house but I'm afraid that he gave it to my mom, and that she could give it to me and my sister just by living with us when we're home from college. I'm really freaking out, I feel like I already have it just because of my razors being out in the bathroom. Should I be concerned? My mom has never used my razors, that I know of, but who knows if somebody else has? How common is HCV in people my age who don't use injecting drugs? Should I bother getting tested?
I am a heterosexual 19 year old female. I have several worries about hep c. First of all my boyfriend and I have unprotected sex, and sometimes I'm a little dry. However he has never injected drugs and is not in any of the risk groups. He has been tested for HIV but I don't think he was ever tested for Hep C. Also, I live in a dorm and I have a shower caddy that I leave out in the bathroom, with my razor in it. I'm afraid that somebody who had hep C could use my razor and for all I know, I could have it right now. (then again I doubt anyone would do this, but whatever). I've also had cuts on my hands when I've gone to the gym, and then I've held weights and stuff, and it's possible that a HCV positive person could have touched those weights before me, right? I feel kinda confused. Also, my mom used to date a guy who was in prison for a month and got into 1 fistfight (although he said they gave everyone a complete physical going into prison so presumably he would know if the other guy had it, or he would have been put in a different area of the prison). he never lived in our house but I'm afraid that he gave it to my mom, and that she could give it to me and my sister just by living with us when we're home from college. I'm really freaking out, I feel like I already have it just because of my razors being out in the bathroom. Should I be concerned? My mom has never used my razors, that I know of, but who knows if somebody else has? How common is HCV in people my age who don't use injecting drugs? Should I bother getting tested?
Doctor's Answer
by Douglas Dieterich, MD, Jan 12, 2009 06:27AM
, Jan 12, 2009 06:27AMTo: sportygirl89
You do need to move your razors out of the communal shower. You should get tested for hepatitis A B and C and HIV (as should everyone)to ease your fears, but I am certain that you do not have it. All those risks you mention are about as remote as being hit by a meteorite. If you are having unprotected sex with your boyfriend and it is a little dry use some safe lubrication! it is healthier for you and less likely to cause abrasions that can transmit disease that way. Relax, I am sure you are fine, but if you those things mentioned above, you will feel even better! DTD
Member Comments (3)
by sportygirl89, Jan 11, 2009 02:44PM
also, I get my nails done often at professional salons. I had no idea that was also a way for me to catch this! Now I'm positive I have it. What do I do?
by Douglas Dieterich, MD, Jan 26, 2009 07:38AM
, Jan 26, 2009 07:38AMTo: sportygirl
Then go get tested! stop worrying? and if you cant stop worrying then you need to seek mental health advice about how to control the anxiety! DTD
by tonyesposito5280, Oct 22, 2009 12:21AM
A related discussion, how do you avoid catching hep c? was started.
