acute hepatitis C

[7aMaDa]

Hi
less than 5 months ago i got a cut from a needle than belongs to my hep. C infected grandma i didn't diagnose for the virus yet but i believe than if i have the virus i am still in acute phase so will i have a chance of auto cure or treatment ?? i am 14 yrs old i practise sports 3 days a week 2 hours a day i don't have any symptoms for it.

one more question : Can a complete blood count help detect hep. C ?  

thanks

[7aMaDa]

What's the difference between PCR test and antibody test ?

[Diane12855]

It can take "up to 6 months" for some people to produce antibodies. That is only a concern if you are getting an antibody test.Also, lots of people have antibodies by 2 months. If you get the PCR test, it has been plenty long enough to get tested.

[7aMaDa]

will hep. C be detectable in my blood if i made the test tomorrow ? because in many articles they say that hep. C is detectable only after 6 months of infection

[7aMaDa]

the needlestick is in my hand under my finger but the cut was very small i only saw a very small and transparent part of my skin was out i saw blood but only a very small drop the cut disappeared after a couple of hours and i don't think it was in a vien

[Bill1954]

Very small quantities of virus are capable of infecting others. However, if you’re needlestick didn’t involve injection into a vein (it was percutaneous), the risk of transmission is thought to be rather low; around 1.8%:
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Needle stick Risk for Occupational Transmission of HCV
HCV is not transmitted efficiently through occupational exposures to blood. The average incidence of anti-HCV seroconversion after accidental percutaneous exposure from an HCV-positive source is 1.8% (range: 0%--7%) (73--76), with one study indicating that transmission occurred only from hollow-bore needles compared with other sharps (75).

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5011a1.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best of luck to you—

Bill

[7aMaDa]

thanks all :) really helped I will talk with my parents about this and I will make the test soon but I have one more question does the amount of the virus in blood affects the danger level and treatment ?

[pcds]

Bill 1954 knows his stuff.  Go get tested.

[Bill1954]

No, a complete blood count does not test for Hep C. If you suspect you are infected, you should see a qualified medical doctor for disease management. Acute cases of HCV can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases with appropriate medication.

Best regards,

Bill

[pcds]

not an expert, but there would need to be some fairly new blood on that needle to infect you.  The virus doesn't live forever outside the body.  There is a new easy blood test coming out without fancy labs soon.  I would talk with your mom or dad about seeing a doctor if you are very concerned.  It's not too likely you have anything but you are a smart kid to want to know and know the dangers out there.  Be sure to get vaccine for hep B.