Curious About a Potential Risk

[Duey1083]

Hi all,

First, I want to thank anyone who reads my post and provides me with a response.  I have read through many posts checking to see if the question I'm about to ask has been asked before.  From what I can tell, it hasn't.

Anyways, here goes.  About 3 years ago, I was working out in the oil field and came to find out one of the construction workers had Hep C.  He had issues with bloody noses and left the bathroom with bloody messes all over the place.  I recall seeing the blood and being grossed out about it, but at the time didn't know it was Hep C infected.  Regardless, I believe I was pretty careful around this and washed my hands thoroughly; of course, I likely didn't go and voluntarily touch any of it.  This is "Exposure 1" (quotations because it's not really an exposure).

My second exposure was on this same job.  I can't recall if I had used a polysporin ointment offered by my superior for a rash I had, or if I picked a new ointment up.  I was also using peroxide for mouth rinses and to scrape my tongue as I had terrible geographic tongue from extreme stress at the time.  I can't recall if he had offered me his ointment or his peroxide; regardless I'm pretty sure I used one of them from him, though I really doubt I would have used his ointment...I really just can't recall.  I also can't recall if I ever used an ointment on an open sore or just a skin rash :(

Anyways, long story short, after he lost his battle with cancer (which was very hard on me), I came to learn that he also had hepatitis C.  I'm obviously concerned about a potential exposure with the polysporin and/or the peroxide.

I WILL be going to get an antibody test tomorrow, but I could really use some encouraging words to help me feel a bit better.  Were the potential exposures I described above low risk?  Particularly if I had used his polysporin?  I believe peroxide can actually be used to kill the Hep C virus, so I'm less concerned about that I think.

Thanks guys,

Duey

[Duey1083]

I'll also just note that in most cases, the hair dresser would just pull out a razor and start trimming without my consent.  I'd never ask for it or allow it.

Anyways, I feel a little wiser now, and wouldn't allow those same things to happen.

[Duey1083]

Thank you for your advice and kind words.  I finally just got my results back and I fortunately tested negative.

I'll admit that I have had quite a few of the inefficient methods of exposure that could have resulted in exposure.  I'll share them for the benefit of the next person that has fears he or she may have been exposed to Hep C:

- razor blade hair trim in the Philippines; this was not in a salon but some guy that cut my hair on the street
- manicure/pedicure tools were used at a salon in Vietnam
- straight blade shave in a salon in Vietnam
- exposure to Hep C positive blood in a common bathroom; I had no cuts
- a hairdresser used a razor blade to clean up my neck hair in Canada (likely a new disposable blade)

I'm sharing this for concerned poster's benefit, because a lot of people have the same concerns I had and thought it might help people to know I've had a few "exposures" and ended up testing negative.

Thank you to everyone for your patience :)

Duey

[SurfsideGal]

The HCV virus is minute. I don't believe any of us can tell you for sure how much you would need to become infected. And, with all due respect, what would that information tell you? There is certainly enough virus to be transmitted in a microscopic drop of blood.

[Duey1083]

Hey,

Thank you for your reply.  The practitioner drew my blood for my peace of mind.  He didn't really think it needed to be done.

I'm sure I wouldn't have used someone else's ointment because I was extremely germaphobic at the time...but, like I said I was extremely stressed and out of my mind.

Regardless, in guessing that since I haven't seen or read anything about transmission this way, I should be okay.

Does anyone know how much of the virus would need to be present in order to be transmissible?  Like for HIV, it takes a certain amount to be infectious.

I'll keep you updated on the results.

Duey

[hepcandme]

Hep C requires blood to blood contact.

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htm#cFAQ31
that easy to become infected. That's why most of us Heppers are older. The virus was in the blood supply.

"Hepatitis C is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The hepatitis C virus was discovered in 1989. Prior to that, it was associated with blood transfusions, but was called non-A, non-B hepatitis because the virus could not be identified."

So, unless you were also bleeding when you came into contact with his blood, you probably have nothing to worry about. You'll feel better after the test, so, just deep breath

Sorry for the loss of your friend