Can I get Hep C like this

[im_the_guy]

Hi, The other day my friend who has Hep C scratched my arm and left a scratch, I did not think it bled but my skin was broken and when I sprayed hand sanitizer on the scratch it stung a little.

Is this a risk?? I HATE worrying about this stuff.

[HectorSF]

Is this a risk? No.
Blood was not exchanged between the two of you.
Worrying? WHat you should be worrying about is having a "friend" who is so irresponsible. They shouldn't be doing anything that could cause themselves or anyone else to bleed. Period.

From the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/cfaq.htm#cFAQ08

"How is Hepatitis C spread?
Hepatitis C is spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began in the United States, Hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.
People can become infected with the Hepatitis C virus during such activities as

* Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs
* Needlestick injuries in health care settings
* Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C

Less commonly, a person can also get Hepatitis C virus infection through...

* Sharing personal care items that may have come in contact with another person’s blood, such as razors or toothbrushes
* Having sexual contact with a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus

Hector

[dixiechicdana]

He would have to have blood under his nails.

[Lifenet62]

firstly, people scratch people by accident very often.....so irresponsiblility is not always the case,and ITG  did not ellude to that.....nextly, you can easily get HEPC from INTRANASAL INHALEANT APPARATUS's  such as.....cocaine straws, rolled dollar bills, spoons, matchbook covers, cards....you get the picture., from" the filter" wet part off  joints, crack pipes...pretty much any kind of drug use puts one at risk.  

[im_the_guy]

Thank you for the replies!! I feel a lot better.

[hrsepwrguy]

" from" the filter" wet part off  joints, crack pipes"

Only if they have blood on them and you have a cut on your lips, hep c is not transmitted thru saliva only blood to blood contact

[Lifenet62]

Yea I know it is only contracted from blood to blood or scab to cut.   However i know many with cut lips and bad bloody gums.   Its funny we never really consuder that. Druggies and alchys really do not take good care of themselves.  I know about this firsthand. HEPC. IS NOT TRANSMITTED by saliva or any bodily fluid unless blood is in it.  

[hrsepwrguy]

I find mildly amusing that someone who did not get hep c from drug use would place the drug addict stigma on people with hep c.

[alycat799]

I find offense in you saying that someone is not a friend and is irresponsible for scratching someone....