Hepatitis C

[pystol]

How long will Hep C live outside of the human body. I have found that Hep B can live for 7 days. But I cant find anything on Hep C.

Also how often are there false positive test?


I was just told by my 16 year old daughter's Dr. that she tested positive for hep c. She has only had sex once with her boyfriend. She has no tattoo's, no blood transfusions, no organ transplant. but some research I have done says that you can get it from sharing razors. Me and my daughter do share that. I was tested in 98 and 2003 and both are negative.. we are waiting for the conformation test for her and my test to come back but I am just confused on how she could have it?? anything you can shead a light on would be great...thank you

[pystol]

Thank You..Those of you that that of us and replied to me question..

My daughters second test came back negative.. no antiboties the second time and no virus there..again thank you and may god be with you and yours..

[pystol]

ok.. i know that some mothers dont have a clue about their kids but me and my daughter have a great relationship we do everything together she came to me the next week when she had sex..most teenagers dont do that..

I know she doesnt do drugs I am very active with both my kids about everything, where they are at, who they hang out with ect..I know I dont know everything I am not stupid but I believe her and I know my kids arent perfect and neither am I.. and I know she doesnt do drugs because her father just got out of prison from a life with drugs and he has hiv, and both my kids have seen what drugs can do they are both very active in the dare program with school, and no they havent had any contact with him. he is not around. he is a dead beat dad which is ok with me because I dont want him to be any kind of influence on them...

their dad is not in the picture its just us..

She has no tattoo's no transplant no body peircings her ears are pierced but when I go to a place i make sure they are very clean, and go osha guide lines..I know that its never a sure thing it just seem very unlikely.

I have been a medical assistant for 10 yrs and I am currently getting my rn so I am very picky about who touches me and my kids in that aspect. I do have 2 tatto's but i have been tested for everything since getting them and I am neg..

I did speak to a Dr and he said hep c can live 16 hrs to 14 days outside of the body...

I am just very confused and heart broken I cant figure it out.. and yes she had some cavities filled a few months ago but nothing major by a dentist I have used for years..

Like I said i know all the possibilities of everything is just seems so unlikely and I feel helpless.. like everything I have preached to my kids and shown them by example have meant nothing..

I have to wait until wed 1-10-07 and the wait is killing me.


I thank you guys so much for responding to me and listening to my story and worries... Thank You..Pystol

[Alady1620]

I want to add that you should have her tested again.  I have heard of false positives.  They are not uncommon.

[Morgaina]

Does your daughter have any body piercings? Even pierced ears can do it if done under less than sterile conditions.Good luck to you both!

[Lady E]

I was going to post the same thing as Kalio. There are so many other ways to contract hcv. Using nail clippers from someone with hcv, or even a comb or brush. Toothbrushes, blood transfusions back in the mid 80's..the list goes on and on.
Best of luck to you and your daughter.
-E

[CitizenSmith]

I've seen a wide variety of figures for HepC outside the body ranging from hours to months.I guess the answer is nobody knows for sure.

[Alady1620]

My guess is that your daughter has used drugs and hasn't told you.

I believe the virus can live outside the body for several days.

[GrandmaA]

I heard HCV only lives a couple of days outside the body. HIV lives a lot longer outside of the body.

[Kalio1]

Has she had any dental procedures or surgical procedures? Does she get her nails done in salons?  If her boyfriend doesn't have it, she didn't get it there. The virus is pretty durable, it can last several days on a surface.
You can get it from snorting drugs with other people too.
People can pick it up in a lot of places unfortunately.

[GrandOak]

I've heard a few days, but I also recall seeing a study somewhere that it can also be active if contaminated dried blood gets re-hydrated.  I ran across it as I was inquiring about transmission by mosquitoe last May or June when those little buggers were getting extremely active here in MN.

From the US CDC: "Recent studies suggest that HCV may survive on environmental surfaces at room temperature at least 16 hours, but no longer than 4 days."

[copyman]

if i remember right hep c can also survive for several days outside the body. some household items that can pass hep are toothbrushes, razors, and anything else that could get blood on them. are you 100% sure that your daughter is not using drugs? does she do/did drugs? not only IV drug use can pass HCV but sharing straws to snort powder drugs can also. if i was you i would get tested again. best of luck to you and your daughter.

[FlGuy]

Are you the mother? If the dad, what about the mom?