Worried Mum

[Sophia66]

Dear Hep C Community
I am a mother of 15 year old son, this incident happen two weeks ago when a friend of my came over my house with 5 days old cold sore.
My son has his birthday a day before and she kisses him on his cheek, her cold sore was just under her nose NOT on the lips. And was not bleeding at the time look like was dry, but my son has very bad skin as most of the teenagers at his age has a lots pimples. To me none of his pimples was bleeding at this time (sometimes they bleed once he picks them or scratch them). I am just worry if this could be a way of transmission of the Hep C? What if she touch him with the cold sores to his pimple, witch I dont think she did. Can he get infected this way? I believe to get infected with Hep C the blood would have had to flow into his blood stream to get infection of Hep C. Is this way possible via pimple?
She was not bleeding when she was in my house, she told me her cold sores sometimes bleeds, so if was bleeding before and small amount of blood got on her lips and then she touch with her lips the pimple could be a risk? I know to get infected with Hep C could be a tiny amount of blood not visible with eye.
I don’t wont to sound like a paranoid person about Hep C just a bit of worry of this situation, I would like to put my mind in rest, and think he is all good.
I have been looking at the forum for similar question but I could not find one related to my concern. Just I realise how big is Hep C community and how many people on this forum with Hep C contribute spare time to answer the question other people with concerns of Hep C infections.
And I know Hep C community has a big knowledge of the virus, so I am really appreciate if someone could answer, is possible to get Hep C this way?
Thank you!

[Idyllic]

Not knowing more of the facts, I personally think your son ought to be OK.  Hectors post about Herpes transmission and cold sores made more sense to me based on what you said. That, and what I read in WIKI. That was all new info to me.

I thought you demonstrated a pretty good understanding how HCV is spread. The thing is I wonder how comfortable you could ever really feel if your friend is constantly in a situation where she is at risk for contracting HCV. I mean, I suppose I don't blame you for being concerned.

[Sophia66]

Thank you to all of you for so quick respond; I am really appreciating your time to look at my question!
I am not sure about my friend status, I can only think she mind not have or have like a lots of people mind have Hep C just they not aware. Because Hep C could be a silent virus.
In this situation if she mined have Hep C, from all yours respond understand he cannot get infected this way. Just he can catch the cold sores but not Hep C.
I am bit worry, because my friend she has a risky situation witch can involve her getting infected with Hep C, but as I said I am not sure about her status.
I just don’t understand Idyllic respond; you think he can get infected this way?
You are all great community and I wish you all who have Hep C to be cure and the ones who have the families infected with this virus to, be cure to.
I hope soon they will find a medication witch will definitely cure for goods Hep C.
I wish you all the best and Thank you!

[nygirl7]

Possibly HSV but not HCV. Unless they were needle sharing or something like that at the time the answer would be no. I've never heard of anyone being infected with HCV via pimple.

[Idyllic]

I guess I missed something in your post as well. Not to be nosy but does your friend have Hepatitis C? The implication is certainly there however it is not entirely clear. If not (well, actually either way), Hector's theory about Herpes seems much more probable.

Does this look familiar?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Herpes%28PHIL_1573_lores%29.jpg

I would seriously find out if there is a tiny element of uncertainty given the statement in the other Herpes link in Wiki:

"A cure for herpes has not yet been developed. Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life. Recurrent infections (outbreaks) may occur from time to time, especially in times of immune impairment such as HIV and cancer-related immune suppression."

[HectorSF]

Hi.

1. Do you know for a fact that your friend with a cold sore has chronic hepatitis C?

2. Both your friend with the cold sore and your son would have had to be bleeding and exchanged blood (as you mentioned) in order to infect your son.

3. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).  It is usually spread when a person touches a cold sore or touches the infected fluid by sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person, or touching that person's saliva. A parent who has a cold sore often spreads the infection to his or her child in this way.
So unfortunately your friend may have passed the herpes virus to your son. People with cold sores are contagious and should not be kissing anybody.
You might want to tell your friend that when they have an outbreak they need to take precautions to prevent spreading the herpes virus to others.

Good luck!
Hector

[suezeeque]

Does she have HCV?

Wait, doesn't matter.  The answer is no.

[stormy456]

I understand your concern, but it is highly unlikely that your son would be infected this way.  I have been married to my husband, who has/had Hep C, and remain clear of the virus, as do my children.  I think your son is just fine.