Hepatitis Forums
Hepatitis C Prevention, Transmission and Testing => Am I Infected? => Topic started by: Bball1145 on November 11, 2015, 09:59:26 pm
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As I was leaving Walmart I noticed a homeless guy around late 20s. I pulled out a few dollars and rolled down my window, as he approached my car I couldn't help but notice how dirty and sick he looked. :( I'm not sure if he touched my hand as we made the switch. If he did it would have been a light touch. I go on to McDonald's not even thinking about anything and start eating. I get home like 2 mins later and start freaking out thinking maybe he touched my hand then I ate and I have two super small cracks on the tops of my hands (no bleeding, never bled.. Just feels kinda raw) I instantly washed my hands with soap and water. Then took a shower. Am I over reacting? I mean I don't even know if this man has anything he just didn't look well. and I can't even say we brushed hands for sure. Any help would be appreciated.
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If you are worried about hep c you have nothing to worry about.
Hep c requires blood to blood contact you would have to get blood into an open wound.
If you continue to have concerns about illness like this occasion you may want to consider talking to a counselor about anxiety issues.
Here is a link to the CDC about FAQ for Hepatitis C for the general public
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htm
How is Hepatitis C spread?
Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began in the United States, Hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.
People can become infected with the Hepatitis C virus during such activities as
Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs
Needlestick injuries in health care settings
Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C
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Even with the tiny scratch on the top of my hand?
Yes, I think you're right. I need a therapist. I have recently went through some health issues and It really effected me. I Knox I have PTSD and anxiety over it.
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The tiny scratch would need to be a open wound i.e. wet.
If you look at how hep c is transmitted on the link from the CDC it just isn't that easy to catch.
Also with the new meds we now have people with hep c be cured with as simple as 1 pill a day for 8 weeks for some longer treatment for others for up to 24 weeks. But hep c is now curable for most so still nothing to worry about even if at some point in your life you somehow did get hep c which is becoming less likely every day with so many now being cured.
Best of luck to you