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Hepatitis C from using friends mascara
so I'm a little embarrassed to ask this but I didn't know much about hep c and still don't. A friend who has hep c let me use her mascara which she only used once (ok I know stupid but I swear I normally don't do stuff like this). I didn't think much of it as I admit I didn't know much about hep c but after googling I found out that hep c can live for weeks on objects and it's easier to catch than hiv. I am now freaking out, I'm not sure when she last used this mascara, she also had a scratch above her eye. Am I at risk?
It is "not easier to get than HIV". Case in point: Many of us have long time partners who didn't catch HCV. Myself is 25 years and my partner does not have it. If It was HIV most definitely I could pass it on. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. HCV is not.
You can get 'pink eye' from using another persons mascara. I'd be more worried about that.
You can get 'pink eye' from using another persons mascara. I'd be more worried about that.
Please don't be embarrassed to ask any questions. If you don't know you don't know. Take Care, Dee
That requires a 'specific' Blood Test. As I said, ask your Dr to do the Hep C Antibody test first. It is only a few dollars and , if it is negative, no need to go further.
However, if you have a Positive Antibody test, no need to panic or get upset, just means you were exposed and will always test positive for antibodies.
What you need, in that case, is the HCV RNA PCR Blood Test, mentioned above.
Hospitals and Dr's Offices do not routinely do either of those tests unless there is a specific indication, like known or suspected exposure.
The AASLD or CDC IS encouraging every Primary Care Dr to do the Antibody test at least one time on all patients in the 'baby boomer' generation.
I say, on everyone! I was definitely pre-baby boomer and got my hepc through a blood transfusion in 1974 - back when there was no real knowledge about hepc AND! more important, no tests to find it.
I encourage everyone to get the antibody test as part of their routine check-up, so, if there was an exposure they didn't know about, there is a way to begin the journey to treatment and wellness. And, that way, it is in their records, if not, so they have a 'baseline' if ever needed.
However, if you have a Positive Antibody test, no need to panic or get upset, just means you were exposed and will always test positive for antibodies.
What you need, in that case, is the HCV RNA PCR Blood Test, mentioned above.
Hospitals and Dr's Offices do not routinely do either of those tests unless there is a specific indication, like known or suspected exposure.
The AASLD or CDC IS encouraging every Primary Care Dr to do the Antibody test at least one time on all patients in the 'baby boomer' generation.
I say, on everyone! I was definitely pre-baby boomer and got my hepc through a blood transfusion in 1974 - back when there was no real knowledge about hepc AND! more important, no tests to find it.
I encourage everyone to get the antibody test as part of their routine check-up, so, if there was an exposure they didn't know about, there is a way to begin the journey to treatment and wellness. And, that way, it is in their records, if not, so they have a 'baseline' if ever needed.
Thank you for answering Pat. I have another question recently I was hospitalized for an incident, I was in the hospital for three days. They drew blood for routine test. Would these test pick up on hep c or is it a special test I would have to ask for?
I don't think you have anything to worry about. Hep C is a blood to blood transmitted disease. Did you have an open cut or other wound in the area you used the mascara?
If not, no exposure. If so, then I suggest you wait for 3 months from date of use of the mascara and get an antiboyd test. If it comes back negative, no exposure. If it comes back positive then get a viral load blood test done - HCV RNA PCR - the definitive test. The antibody test only checks for exposure. the HepC RNA PCR test measures virus level in the blood.
Again, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Hep C is not easy to get. outside the 'classic' ways.
Good luck and blessings.
Pat
If not, no exposure. If so, then I suggest you wait for 3 months from date of use of the mascara and get an antiboyd test. If it comes back negative, no exposure. If it comes back positive then get a viral load blood test done - HCV RNA PCR - the definitive test. The antibody test only checks for exposure. the HepC RNA PCR test measures virus level in the blood.
Again, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Hep C is not easy to get. outside the 'classic' ways.
Good luck and blessings.
Pat
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