Is there any risk for Hepatitis C?

[worriedwonderer]

Hi, I'm hoping that I could get some help to relieve my worry about this.

I know that hepatitis C is transferred through blood to blood, and that hepatitis C can live on surfaces for a while. I'm just scared about the possibility of getting hepatitis C. I wear earrings, and I tend to fiddle with my earrings and peel off skin around the earring hole. Sometimes it bleeds, and when I fiddle with my earrings, the hole gets bigger and sometimes splits(kind of like a cut?) If I were to touch everyday objects, and then touch my ears(taking in account for possible blood/dried blood and somewhat of a cut on my ears) would there be a risk? If I had a cut on my hands or fingers and I touched everyday objects, would there be a risk?

Thanks in advance for any answers that come my way.

[flyinlynn]

They are very expensive you will either need insurance to pay for them or if denied by insurance the makers of the meds have programs to help those who qualify. Otherwise Harvoni for example costs $1125.00 a pill or about $30,000.00 for a 1 month supply I have read there is some pricing pressure on the drug makers to lower their prices.

But don't even think about that now just get tested and see where that leads

[worriedwonderer]

Oh thank you so much flyinlynn. :) To hear that the new medications are highly effective really puts me at ease. Are they affordable? Hepatitis C only really scared me because of the possible severity of it, but knowing that the medication really works is great.

[flyinlynn]

Getting tested at least once is not a bad idea for anyone so they will know they are free of the virus  but as far as testing solely on the basis of what you have described transmission is unlikely.

So if you just want to get tested in general sure not a bad idea but you have no real concerns from what you have described.

Also even if at some point in you life you should ever get Hep c the new meds are highly effective in eridacation hep c so weather you ever get hep c or you never have hep c you have nothing to worry about.

[worriedwonderer]

So in my scenario, there isn't a significant risk that I should be worried about? I'm more worried about getting Hep C from everyday objects by touching an object and then touching my ears. (it's usually dead skin that I peel off)(and sometimes but not usually there may be dried blood, and the hole sometimes gets stretched due to my fiddling) I believe that I have some anxiety issues about contracting Hepatitis C and STIs. I'm not worried about reinfecting myself, because I don't think I have hep C. I'm worried about the possibility of contracting Hep C through my scenario. Should I get tested soon?

Thanks in advance

[hepcandme]

In the detailed scenario that you have provided, there is no Hep C in the picture. You are worried about leaving Hep C on everyday objects - but you don't (most likely) have Hep C? You are worried about reinfecting yourself?

It sounds like you may have other issues that have nothing to do with Hep C

Check out:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder-OCD-/show/231

You could stop wearing your earrings for awhile

I like to give mine a rest sometimes to avoid having the pierced holes stretched

[dontworry_behappy1]

Your fine.  How about clean up your hygiene practices and in a few months get tested.   Don't  over react.   Also, keep your personal items to yourself.
Toothbrushes and razors where blood can be involved.

Best to you

[worriedwonderer]

Thanks for the help. Do you think I should be this anxious of my situation though? It'll be a couple days before I can get tested, so I'm freaking out. Are the treatments for hepatitis C generally successful?

[dontworry_behappy1]

Everyone should be tested once to see your current  status.  But yes practice better hygiene would greatly improve your risk of infections.

Best to you

[worriedwonderer]

I think I'm more so worried about everyday objects that appear clean, but could have the possibility of dried blood on them? I will practice better hygiene. Should I take a test for this?

[dontworry_behappy1]

What your asking is can you get Hepatitis C due to poor hygiene where blood is involved?   If you come in contact with someone who has hepatitis c then it is possible.   Protect yourself and wash your hands, clean surfaces with 10 percent bleach if concerned.   FYI: Sounds like you have a bacterial infection on your ears if they are cracking and bleeding.   Practice better hygiene and wash your hands before touch everything.