question regarding transmission risk

[worriedworried123]

Hi,
I apologize for the stupid question I am about to ask but my search didn't bring up any useful information...

I was at a public health club and bumped/cut myself on one of the machines.  The sharp area that I was exposed to is a handle that many people touch.    Also although it hurt when I bumped into it, I didn't realize I had a cut but kept rubbing it with my hands that have touched multiple machines that may have others sweat, blood, etc..  
What is the risk of transmission from this type of exposure?
I think it is very low risk but just seeing if there are some knowledgeable people that can help out with this.

thanks  

[Trinity4]

Doesn't that type of exposure speak for most public places if you really think about it?  If one was to focus on exposure to hepc in those types of situations it could be considered obsessive to a degree or at least I think so.
Trinity

[FlGuy]

You're probably right but those darn public health clubs as just really yukky places, how do you really know?

[copyman]

i think you risk is extremely low. I have to disagree with hippy about " contaminated blood can only live for a certain amount of time when exposed to air" This may be true for most viruses but Hepatitis C virus can live for weeks in blood outside the body, even dried blood. Wait for 6 weeks then get tested, of course only to put your mind at ease because you do NOT have anything to worry about from this exposure. Now go live your life.

[hippygem]

I wouldnt worry about sweat or bodily fluids etc, hep c is only a blood to blood borne virus.  I dont think you have anything to worry about, contaminated blood can only live for a certain amount of time when exposed to the air.
Extremely low risk.

[FlGuy]

Risk is low unless you've had sex with a commercial sex worker since the beginning of the year.