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1574463 tn?1303829226

Open Wound

I have been very cool about my mothers Hep C illness, never worried about close contact or sharing food etc.  But suddenly I find myself obsessing about it. There has been research about blood in saliva which theoretically could transmit HCV through kissing.  My mother frequently kisses my children and husband although it is always on the cheek.  But, what if, and I know this will cause a backlash of fury, my husband recently shaved and there is a tiny nick on his face, or my daughter has a pimple which is looking a bit red, and my mother kisses them on this place, and at the same time she has blood in her saliva.  Writing it out makes it seem absurd I know but why is it all of a sudden I am convinced that this is a possibily of my family being given this life threatening virus??  Please don't give me a hard time :( I am quite worried.  But I cant force them to have a blood test to see if they have the virus, because I don' want them to worry.
5 Responses
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1491755 tn?1333201362
I'd wear a bio hazard suit it I were you complete with an air tank.
Helpful - 0
1574463 tn?1303829226
Hi I appreciate your comments and I apologise for my complete and utter ingnorance in this matter.  I used to be extremely OCD and sometimes it flares up now and again.  The wealth of information on the internet is dangerous and I promise to stay away from it.  But of course you are correct the theory doesn't stand up in practice and I have never voiced my concerns to anybody but this forum!  Thanks again.
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Avatar universal
Any HCV RNA potentially in saliva that could  
"which theoretically could transmit HCV through kissing"
....may indeed pose some theoretical risk, but in your research have you been able to come up with even one proven case of transmission?

I think instead of pondering the theoretical you should come to face with the abundance of practical evidence; it just doesns't seem to be happening, does it?

If the sexaul transmission between monogamous heterosexual couples comes close to zero..... I have a friend who after 30 years has not transmitted to her hubby...... then what are the odds for a random peck on the cheek?

I hate to suggest it but on occasions ones attitude can also be invasive and injurious.  In this case you could be injuring a number of parties; yourself with worry, or damaging a valuable relationship between your mother and grandchild.

I'm a parent myself and I would be lying if I told you that i don't worry.  We ALL worry, or have worried in your lives.  It's the job of a parent to care for their child.  It's just in this case your worry may not be supported by fact. Many, many shaved faces get kissed each day.  Transmission takes a lot more than that.

best wishes,
Willy
Helpful - 0
1574463 tn?1303829226
Thanks for that, putting it in writing has made me realise how stupid I am.  I love my mum and fully support and involve her in everything I do.  I just had a mental meltdown these past few days.  Keep up the great work you do.
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
NO you cannot get HCV in this manner it has to be blood to blood contact so unless your mother is sharing needles or nail clippers or things of that nature - there is NO chance.

Most all of us have families/spouses/significant others in our lives and as far as I can remember being around no one has EVER contracted the disease in this manner.

Let your children enjoy their grandmother and forget this nonsense.
Helpful - 0
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