Baby with hep c

How would you care for a baby that may potentially have contracted hepatitis C? What sorts of precautions are necessary?

Thank you.

[Bill1954]

Hi there,

How old is the baby? Do you suspect the child contracted the virus from his mother during gestation or delivery? We’re told there is <5% chance of mother-to-child (vertical) transmission occurring. Also, it’s a good idea to wait for 18 months as the baby can carry maternal antibodies until then.

There shouldn’t be any actions to take on your part, other than to inform the pediatrician of your concerns. HCV progresses slowly, over years and decades. If the doctor is aware of the concerns, they can test accordingly and avoid Rxing any drugs that might be harmful.

Good luck-

Bill

[Resilient_Mimi]

The main thing is to get this child checked out to make sure.  HepC will damage the LIVER.  We can not funtion without our liver. This is very serious.  If you are worried about spreading the virus thru interaction, then this should be easy.  HepC is a blood borne pathagen, this means, it can only be passed thru blood to blood contact.  If the child has a cut or open skin anywhere place a bandage over it.  A blood test can be done to see, but early detection is important.

[his3707]

Hi, I exposed my son at childbirth and his immune system fought off the virus but still has the antibodies for life.  Maybe that will be the case of the child you are concerned about.  As far as I know there is no treatment for infants and like  Bill said, no action on your part other than to be aware and like Resilient if there is a cut or blood exposure growing up, than make sure he gets it covered with a bandaid.  If the baby does have the virus, by the time he is old enough to treat it, the treatment will hopefully  be like taking an antibiotic  in the future.  

[Diane12855]

I had 3 kids after being infected with HCV... didn't know I was infected at the time. I've had all 3 checked and none of them are infected. I don't think you need to worry about it until you get the child checked.

Diane