What do you think my risk is?

[NickOne7]

Thank you for your reply, To clear things up a bit i'll break it down a bit better for you,  I believe my roommate used my toothbrush last night and then I used it this morning.  After I used the toothbrush I got scared of getting infected with one of the three infections I mentioned before. So let me ask a straight question.

1. Would using this toothbrush this morning after he used it last night be able to infect me with HBV, HCV or HIV? Not sure if he had blood in his mouth.

Second, after I used the toothbrush I got scared as stated above. I have a few HBV tests I ordered online for home use. I asked him to try the test. (The test works by putting 5 drops of blood on to a test strip and waiting for the results) They give you a small plastic device with the home rapid test to suck up the blood from your finger and transfer it to the test strip.  He did not know how to use it to suck up the blood so I did it for him.  I sucked up one drop at a time and transfered it to the test 5 times, I was carful not to get any blood on my hands etc. BUT when I was squeezing the last drop of blood on to the test strip it splattered due to a air bubble in the plastic sucker.  The blood drop splattered on to the test. So here is my question regarding this information.

2. As the blood drop splattered onto the test, If some of the splatter came in contact with my mouth, eyes or nose would this cause infection of HIV, HCV or HBV?  Most of the splatter went on the test card, but the little specks may have entered my mucus membrains. Please give your honest oppinion sir.  The sucker basicly "Spit the blood drop out and caused a splatter?

3. Also I took one of the home tests (5 minutes) before I helped him with his. So i pricked my finger to take the test. Would my finger be healed so no virus could enter my blood stream if my finger was pricked 5 minutes earlyer and no blood was coming out?

4. Does it take just a small amount of blood (1 drop) for transmission of HIV, HCV or HBV to ocurr or would it take much more blood than that?

[Anne1717]

Has he had a blood transfusion?  Cocaine?   Tattoo's?     I am very low risk - no drugs ever - no risky behaviors, but somehow contracted HCV early this summer - most likely medically induced. When I found out, I was terrified for my sons who both subsequently were tested and are negative.  But a simple test saved months of worry and conjecture.

So, I, nor anyone can unequivocally say he or you have it  - or not. Nor would any of us know all of your risks - present and past.  The best thing to do is get tested, both of you so you won't worry.

The more you educate yourself by going to the Mayo Clinic site and CDC, the more of your answers you will find.

Good luck to you and please try to not put the cart before the horse here.  I know all of this is scary but a simple fear to alleviate.

[copyman]

Something tells me you will not believe what anyone posts here but here goes....you have NO risk from what you describe. You sound like one tough roommate to live with. When I had a roommate back in college I was worried about getting the rent money together not passing a blood test for my them.

The only thing we worried about back then were the clap and crab lice ;-)

Man how times have changed.

[NickOne7]

Thanks for your post!  He is not sure if he has HCV.  he is 45 years old, is not gay and states he has never had anal sex at all, Also he has never used IV drugs.  What is the chance he has HCV? Low?

Also I dont believe this matters at all but he is an acaholic and he has been for 15-20 years.  He doesnt seem sick or ill at all.  

Thanks for your input.

[Anne1717]

Hi - first I would ask him if he is HCV positive. If he is, then I would test in a few weeks to put your mind at ease,  but it sounds like your exposure is minimal at best  - if at all.  It sounds like there is no risk actually.  You would have to get his blood into yours.  

Please go on the CDC site and read how HCV is transmitted. It should answer your questions and hopefully  take away your fear.

[NickOne7]

Ok, What is the chances of getting HCv from the exposure that I mentioned about the Blood splatter when doing the test? Thats my biggest worry

Also, When should I test for HCV?  Whats the window for HCV antibody tests

Thanks

[Anne1717]

Sorry to hear of your struggles. Ot sounds like you are on the road to recovery though and I wish you the best.  As for the humor, I spent over 25 years in Al Anon and our meetings were a mixture of hysterical laughter and tears. People were going through the worst of things but somehow would eek out a smile. I believe it is through the laughter we grow and make progress - or at least not get consumed by the difficulties facing us.   For me, as the years pass, I gain perspective and no loner feel the pain of what was once unbearable.

I hope you will always laugh and that your treatment will go well.

Best, Anne