what are possible careers for chronic hepatitis c

i am curious what happen when you change careers or you decide to do something in the medical field.  How about if you are young and want to be a pharmacist or a nurse.  Is this out of the question?  What if you are already a nurse and change jobs.  Do they test you for this disease?  Also, do you have to tell your employer for health insurance reasons.  Who do you tell?

[Douglas Dieterich, MD]

Hepatitis C testing is not done on healthcare workers, but hepatitis B testing is to ensure that we are all vaccinated or have antibodies. Because of the ADA( Americans with Disabilities Act) no one can prevent you from practicing your profession if you have an infection unless you are giving to your patients. One of the risks for acquiring HCV is from needlesticks as a healthcare worker so a lot of us are infected and employers cant ask about it unless there is an epidemic caused by you! However that being said if you have HCV you should definitely get evaluated and treated! Good luck! DTD

[Marcia2202]

Hi June, This is the Expert Forum, dealing with medical questions directed to Prof. Douglas Dietrich, MD. I suggest you post this question on the Hepatitis Social / Living with hepatits forum. I'm sure you will get many responses and a good discussion going. Good luck, Marcia

[rafi86]

Hi Dr. June,

My sister has Hbsag postive. we did all profile of Hapittest B all other profile are normal, just only Hbsag is postive, i want to know is there any solotion for reactive Hbsag, is it dangrous, her Hbe, Lft are ok,
plz let me know soon sir thanks,

hussain