hep c question about testing and ...

[nashgsan]

I am sorry if this question has been asked. But I would

First, what antibiotics affects Hep C testing?

Also do you get hep c from saliva exchange?

I ask this because I was having dinner with a friend, and she  is kind of ill. And I don't think she has hep c. But during dinner she went to bathroom and came back and we shared a meal. Then three days later, I became very sick, with severe bloating and horrible diarrhea, and this has continued for the last 8 months. So I don't know if I got something from her. And I know this sounds really weird. But there has to be some cause to my illness.

Are these symptoms of Hep c?

I would be h

[hepcandme]

I understand that you are confused but there are so many resources online from the CDC for example that explain how one can contract Hep C and your doctor can tell you the answer to your question about antibiotics

It pains me to hear these types of questions because it promotes stereotypes of people living with Hep C - through no fault of their own - the entire blood supply was contaminated! And it reminds me about those who suffered during the early days of the AIDS pandemic.

People who are living with this virus and fighting hard to be cured suffer when others will not share a meal or a hug or a kiss

Think of your friend and ask what you can do to be supportive

Good luck to you and your med team to diagnose and treat your gastro problems

[SurfsideGal]

Antibiotics do not interfere with antibody or RNA testing for hepatitis C. Also, the scenario you describe would not be one that puts you at risk for hepatitis C. As Dee said, hepatitis C is a blood-born disease. Fecal oral contamination occurs in the transmission of hepatitis A. But, hepatitis A does not last for 8 months. It does sound like something else is going on. I hope you feel better soon.

[nashgsan]

I want to be really clear bout testing. I am now on antibiotics for my diarrhea. and I want to make sure that this does not interfere with Hep c testing.

thanks

[nashgsan]

thanks to you all.

[Livelife777]

Hi there NASH.   I will answer that question for you.
No.   Saliva does not carry the Hep C virus.   Only blood.
Best to you
......Kim

[Dee1956]

That's right, you can't get it from saliva.
I am sorry I did not catch the fact that you have been to see a doctor and he is treating you with antibiotics.
I'm sorry about that.  I hope that the antibiotics work and you feel better very soon.  Is your friend still sick?  

There are some people who will never know how they contracted it.
I think I got it from a gama globulin shot back in the 70's.
I had no clue it contained blood.

I was also told that if one were to snort anything after another person who had HCV one could get it that way, also using another persons tooth brush.
Some people, unfortunately have gotten is from operations, or dental work done with equipment that was not correctly sterilized.
Please keep in touch, let us know how you are doing
Dee

[nashgsan]

He is treating me empirically. for several things. He suspects something like ameba or even liver flukes.

So I know know.

I am again sorry to bother you. but one last question. I have never had any blood transfusions, or any tattoos ,  or needle exchange or anything like that ever. I know I was negative for sure, before this incident with my friend.

So saliva don't contain hep c right?


thanks

[Dee1956]

So....you have been to a doctor to obtain antibiotics for your diarrhea?  What did the doctor say?  
I hope you are not taking antibiotics on your own, that can be dangerous

[Dee1956]

Thank you so much!!

[hrsepwrguy]

What are the signs and symptoms of acute HCV infection?

Persons with newly acquired HCV infection usually are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that are unlikely to prompt a visit to a health care professional. When symptoms occur, they can include

    Fever
    Fatigue
    Dark urine
    Clay-colored stool
    Abdominal pain
    Loss of appetite
    Nausea
    Vomiting
    Joint pain
    Jaundice

What percentage of persons infected with HCV develop symptoms of acute illness?

Approximately 20%–30% of those newly infected with HCV experience fatigue, abdominal pain, poor appetite, or jaundice.
How soon after exposure to HCV do symptoms appear?

In those persons who do develop symptoms, the average time period from exposure to symptom onset is 4–12 weeks (range: 2–24 weeks).

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/HCVfaq.htm#c5

[nashgsan]

No for sure, I did not have Hep c before, because I tested several times before. I have never exchanged needles  or blood with any one.

Also, my last test in Agust, 2014, was negative.

[Dee1956]

Hmmmm if you had just contracted HCV it would not be, but it could be if you have had HCV for a long time..

I worked with someone who was having stomach problems, she went to a gastroenterologist and found out that she had HCV from a blood transfusion 15 years before.  Se was lucky to find out so early.  Most people don't find out that early.  

I have read that 75% of people who have it don't know they have it.

[nashgsan]

Oh, buy the way, she also has severe bloating, and she suspects she has lyme. She was tested for Hep c before, and negative I think.

[nashgsan]

thanks. I will get tested. Are severe bloating and diarrhea symptoms of Hep C?

[Dee1956]

Hi so sorry, yes I meant to say you can be tested now for HCV, antibiotics will not affect the result.
I doubt that you have HCV however I am not a doctor, if I were you I would definitely get blood work.
Have you spoken to your friend recently to see how she is feeling?  I was thinking that if she was sick back then and still sick she might share with you what the problem is.
I sure hope so.
Good luck, Dee

[nashgsan]

thank you so much for your response. I am really worried, because she is kind of ill. And went she returned from the bathroom, of course she touched some of the same food I was eating. And I wonder, if she had any fecal matter, and food was contaminated with it, and I ate it, can you get Hep c from it?

Also, when I went to hug her good bye, our lips briefly touched. We did not really kissed though.

So this is why I asked about saliva? I am really scared.

Can you answer my question about testing and antibiotics? I am on antibiotic for my diarrhea now.

[Dee1956]

Hi there, HCV is only spread by blood so you are ok there. If I were you and been sick for 8 months, I would go talk to the doctor.

I had no symptoms at all when I was infected with HCV.  I did not find out I had it until 30 years after I contracted it.

From what I remember when a friend of mine contracted HCV back in the 80's she got very weak and tired and her skin turned yellow and so did her eyes.  Her urine got very dark and her fecal matter got very light, almost a white/clay color.

I did not get sick when I contracted HCV.  I wish I had, then I would have known.

Good luck to you, Dee