fighting off infection?

[shelbygt]

I have had swollen lymph nodes in my neck for about 2 years now, my husband has hepatitis b and c , the swelling in my lymph nodes started about 6 mos after i met him. I have not tested postive for either. Is it because my body is trying to fight the virus off?

[shelbygt]

Thank you :)

[shelbygt]

Thanks :)

[shelbygt]

thanks :)

[shelbygt]

Thank you for all your help!! :)

[DoubleDose]

I will give a contrary point of view.  Decades ago, when I first developed elevated enzymes, and what I would later find out was Hepatitis-C, I also developed swollen glands under the jaw, and on the sides of my face (Parotids).  Both sets of glands swelling can and often is caused by HCV, although many people do not get the swelling, and are more asymptomatic.

I would not automatically assume anything with HCV, and the fact that you are antibody negative on serum (blood) testing means you do not have a chronic HCV blood infection...unless it is a rare Occult HCV infection.  My other concern over the years is that I suspect HCV can also be transmitted to salivary glands, sexual tissues, and maybe the central nervous system....without getting into the blood, or crossing that  tissue/blood barrier.  This is not a theory that has been investigated, but doctors HAVE found that active HCV can and often does simultaneously infect salivary tissues, and also connective tissues in some cases.  I have always wondered if sometimes HCV passes along occasionally to the salivary system of a partner or spouse, after years of exposure, and remains 'contained' more or less in that organ system, thus not triggering a blood/serum antibody reaction when the person is tested.

I have seen similar symptoms in long term intimate relations, and have commented to that effect on the forum in the past.  Since the theory has not really been pursued heavily, I don't think there is any real scientific opinion one way or the other.  There ARE studies though, finding 'cellular immune responses' to HCV in intimate partners and household members, and THAT line of investigation is currently being researched to understand what it means.  Does it mean active infection in cells and tissues (minus blood antibodies), or is it just a marker of 'immune responses to HCV' that just continue on and on, without the virus being present in the tissues.  No real definitive answers on any of that as of yet.

DoubleDose

[Advocate1955]

I don't want to scare you either, but my co-worker had swollen glands for several months, and he also had cancer (non-Hodgkins lymphoma).  Best to see your doctor right away.
Advocate1955

[orphanedhawk]

You need to see a doctor. This is not about hepatitis and we are not medical professionals.
I don't want to scare you but my friend's neck swelled up and it was from cancer.
Please go see your doctor soon.

[suezeeque]

If you have tested negative for the antibodies then no, you are not fighting off either.