HCV Question

[PennStatePride]

I have a question that has been bugging me for a while now. I am worried about past exposure to HCV. I have never done anything that would constitute a "risk" for the virus, but throughout high school and during the first 2 years of college (about 2 yrs ago) I would often get haircuts where a straight edge razor was used. There were a few times that it nicked me. I was wondering if this is a big risk for an exposure, as much literature says that a razor should not be shared. The thought of having HCV scares me to death. Thanks for your help.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The chances of getting hepatitis C from having your neck shaved during a haircut are negligible.  You have been examined and have normal lab tests.  If you are very concerned, go on and get a hepatitis C blood test (once) and then when the result is negative, put it behind you.  If you were to get hepatitis C from getting your neck shaved at a reputable barershop, you'd be the first.  In your situation, I would not even bother to get tested because the risk is virtually non-existant.  EWH

[PennStatePride]

This risk was aproximately 1 1/2 yrs ago, and I have had an HIV test (negative) as well as routine blood work 2 months ago as part of a routine checkup. If I did have HCV, would any abnormalities have shown up within either of these tests? Thank allot