Please help

[worriedsick04]

so to start my mom and dad been married 25 years he was a severe drug addict and alcoholic for 23 of those years.Recently my mother told me my dad was diagnosed with hep c and that he has to go in to get "infusions"? why does he need those ? Does that mean its far along? I dont want to ask them all these questions Also she is worried she could have it!? Witch is my biggest fear! How possible is that?

[willbb]

There are  dozens of sites ..with explanations of HCV..here is one ,you may be intereted in reading

.http://www.liverfoundation.org/downloads/alf_download_901.pdf


I would add..  As far as your mom having HCV. the virus is only transmitted when the blood from an infected person enters the blood stream of another.,,so in the home normal precations where blood is involved with chance of  transfer should be taken and .it is recommended that the infected person not share any  personal houshold items that may contain particles of blood ie. toothbrush.nail clippers etc. and again  the chances of contracting the disease from co-habitation is very low.
Will.

[willbb]

Hi there and welcome....

As far as your mom having HCV. The chances of contracting the virus just from cohabitating with someone with HCV and having monogomous sexual relations is very low....however if she is worried she should go and have the simple blood test to confirm this.
As far as your dad  goes your  statement about "infusion " is a little unclear,he may have been told he needs to do treatment for his HCV infection ,which entails  taking medication for a period of time and Interferon injections weekly is part of that regime.

Your dad should be under the care of a specialist familiar with HCV and it"s treatment protocols to ascertain  what geno type he has and also possibly a liver biopsy to find out what degree of liver damage(fibrosis ) he currently has.
Hopfully your dad is  is not doing drugs and alcohol now as that will damage his liver further and any treatment is usually not started until those issues are addressed .

Best to you ..and your mom and dad....
Will