Hep C risk or anxiety? Need some help, please?

[Nate1992]

Well, last night my girlfriend and I went to her brothers house because he was having a party. He had a keg and some people over. Anyways, to make it short, sweet and to the point, everyone was doing keg stands, which means that everyone put their mouth on the nozzle. Also, I ended up sharing a smoke with a few people. I know that Hep C is blood to blood, but here is my issue. When I get nervous or anxious, I tend to chew on the inner part of my lower lip. That being said, I was biting on it on and off for most of the day. I think it may have bled a little earlier in the day, but healed up. I'm almost sure that I wasn't bleeding during the party, but what if someone else had blood on their mouth, did the keg stand and then I did one after them? Is it likely that Hepatitis C could transmit this way or am I just being paranoid? If I could get a realistic answer, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you all so much for everything you do. All the help is much appreciated and I know I can rely on educated and realistic answers. Thank you!!

[flyinlynn]

From CDC web site

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/cfaq.htm#cFAQ37

What are ways Hepatitis C is not spread?

Hepatitis C virus is not spread by sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, or sneezing. It is also not spread through food or water.

Back to your questions:

1 Do you think this is a real risk?

There is no such thing as risk free but I would think in my non medical opinion the chances would be very low.

2 Do you feel that it is anxiety?

If I were to bet I would think this is the more likely of your 2 options you offer.

If sharing a smoke (which in itself is bad for you) or drinking after some causes you concern maybe you should not share things like that with other people. One less thing to worry about.

I think you really need to address your anxiety issues. Needless worry does nothing productive and only serves to steal the joy from today.

Good luck
Lynn

[Livelife777]

Not a doc, but feel certain anxiety.   Would perhaps try to talk to a therapist regarding fear and anxiety.    If you still are concerned a hep c test would give you piece of mind.      Good Luck.     ..Kim

[Nate1992]

Thank you for your reply. I understand that alcohol has dangerous affects as well, but I am not an alcoholic or binge drinker. I drink every once in awhile. Maybe a few days out of the month. I do need to speak with a counselor about my anxiety. It is getting out of control. I need to overcome irrational fears. Speaking of irrational fear and back to the subject, do you think this is a real risk or do you feel that it is anxiety? Thank you for your help!

[WmoMitch]

Sorry to hear of your anxiety.   You have my full empathy.  As the infectious disease issues have been addressed above, please recognize that alcohol and other substance abuse can lead to irreversible secondary consequences.  I hope you are in counseling for your anxiety, and hope that it works, but for keg standers the self-medicating or abuse usually requires specific intervention, AA or a similar program.  Thanks for having the courage to bring this up.  Wish you well.

[Nate1992]

Thank you for the reply. Well, I this just happened last night so the results would be inconclusive anyhow. Also, I have anxiety (hypochondria) and I've been tested 3 times in the past 6 months, so my doctor won't allow me another test, unless its a big risk factor. I just wanted to see if anyone else could give me some advice!

[desrt]

You're probably being paranoid but why not get yourself tested and you can then stop worrying about it.

[Nate1992]

Also just a side note, I don't know any status's of some of the individuals that were there.