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Can hep c be transferred if uninflected person has chapped lips?

I know this isn't really an STD but I wasn't really sure where else to post this. I have a family member with hep c, when he went to hug me last night he breathed out and either accidenlty spit on me or nasal mucous came out and hit me on the mouth. My lips have been chapped and red, one side in the crease was bleeding days ago but I think they were just red last night. I washed it off right away but I still get scared. Is it probable to catch it that way? Any help is appreciated! I just get so scared.
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Avatar universal
sad, sad, sad
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I think Vedadhar did an excellent job patiently answering your questions.

Your family member needs your support not your paranoia about whether or not you got the virus from an accidental miniscule amount of saliva or nasal mucous hitting you on your mouth.   How would you have felt if the tables were reversed?  Do you think he/she didn't notice your reaction?

I have been with my husband for 42 years. Though he was infected in 1979 with the Hep C virus (from blood transfusions), we did not find this out until just 3 years ago.  That means that for 30 years of our marital relationship no special measures were taken to "protect" me from contracting the virus
since we didn't know he had it.  I am certain we came in contact with  many "body fluids" over the years. Yet I am negative for the Hep C virus.

Your family member does not need to feel ostracized by his/her own family.
If you can't help yourself, stay away.

Sorry it's just hard for me to read threads like this considering everything we have been through the last three years.  I wish your minor concern was our worst worry.

Guess I'm just venting...
Helpful - 0
1096512 tn?1384889778
Appreciate your understanding!Make sure to discuss any other questions regarding management of Hepatitis C, with your Doctor,in correct time.All The Best!God Bless!
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for all your answers. I have been tested before just because I worry. My mom doesn't seem to worry about it so I know I shouldn't I just can't help it. You're right though I will not let him know I was concerned, he's sick enough as it is. I really appreciate your kind, caring answers, it has made me feel a lot better, I just have to work on my paranoia.
Helpful - 0
1096512 tn?1384889778
Like many viruses, the hepatitis C virus is gradually inactivated outside the body of a host. The presence of heat can have a drastic impact on the virus's lifespan outside the body. Changes in higher to lower temperatures also affect stability, however, the hepatitis C virus can be inactivated in eight and four minutes, respectively.

If his bottom has bleeding sores and if the blood is left over toilet seat and at the same time you have a sore on your bottom and you come in contact with that blood,when you share,you have a chance of infection but it may depend on many other factors that determine its stability and survival in open environment.

If he is getting a lot bottom sores,it might be happening due to frequent hospitalization and less activity/movement or poor hygiene.Take help of a Attending Doctor to manage such problem.

As you understand the facts of Hep C transmission,some incidents may make you skeptical but you will realize that it is a mind game but has no medical reasoning in it.Take much care so as not to hurt his suffering heart further more by your sarcasm or "skeptical" assumptions.Do not let him know that you are inquiring about this with some Doctor or medhelp because it not only makes him feel bad of his situations and dependency on you as he is your family member.It may spoil your intimacy.You seem to be very kind and responsible,who care for this particular person,I understand your emotion of being scared,which is quite normal.

Relax and calm down.May God bless Him with good care/affection in a nest like yours, and Bless you with all the Power to be with him.

Comment,questions if you have any!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your help! I have one more question, I know a lot of diseases can be transferred from toilet seats even though it's not likely can hep c be trangerred that way if he has sores on his bottom, he often gets bed sores. I know this seems like a lot of questions and his doctors are very helpful but there are some incidents that happen that just make me skeptical like the body fluid hitting my face.
Helpful - 0
1096512 tn?1384889778
You are less likely to acquire infection through this route.There is no chance.Virus may be present in any body fluid because they are very small and blood circulates to part of body but depending on its virulence factor and capability of adaptation to bodily fluids, determines its efficacy in transmitting active infection,where Hep C does not have such kind of nature of spread.

Body fluids other than blood are no optimum media for Hep C virus.Understand the limitations of virus in transmitting active disease, it occurs only in people with all associated risk factors mentioned in last post.

If the kittens were snagging,it might be because kittens might be afraid of him or may be did not like him for any reason that is preventing them from interacting with him.Mood of kittens is dependent on many factors or parenting.So check to train them to get used to his company and cross check yourself to find out the reason why.
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Avatar universal
Ok so even though it can be trangerred through saliva it was more than likely not transferred to me? I'm not sure if it was spit or nasal fluid, I'm pretty sure it was nasal fluid though. He's always very careful with his personal care items. Although I'm always nervous because we have two kittens that sometimes snag him, should we be concerned about that?  
Helpful - 0
1096512 tn?1384889778
HCV is not spread through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, or sharing eating or cooking utensils.Neither is it transmitted through food or water.No transmission through only salivary fluids though salivary fluid may contain virus.

Primary source of infection is blood route IV drug abuse, transfusion, needles etc which needs considerable amount of pathogen Hep C Virus to enter the blood stream of victim.It may be considered as a STD but still it is debatable because there is a higher risk of transmitting through sexual intercourse and penetrative sex.But however sharing of tooth brushes,combs,razors,manicure clippers etc is not recommended because they are prone to get in contact with blood in accidental situations.

There is no need to worry as you do not have the direct risk factors that are associated with transmission of Hep C.Stay calm and take care from next time while you meet people so as not to acquire or transmit air borne diseases or droplet infections.

Any questions are warmly welcome.Best of Luck!
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