Need advice

[Worriedmale2016]

On sat I shared key with a stranger to snort cocaine how much of a risk is this and do I need to test if I do need to test when should I

[lporterrn]

It's what we call a "theoretical risk" - The findings have been wildly inconsistent, and we don't have solid documentation of anyone having contracted hep C in this way. However, since there is a potential for blood-to-blood contact, it is possible.
I suggest you get an antibody test in about 6 months. It will ease your mind. And if you continue to use drugs, don't share. https://www.hepmag.com/basics/hepatitis-c-basics/hepatitis-c-prevention

[Worriedmale2016]

I'm not really on drugs just a mistake, so it's basically like saying u can get hep c from sharing a pipe or a cigaratte

[gnatcatcher]

If both people have bleeding gums, that could be true. People who have Hep C are urged not to share toothbrushes because of the bleeding gums scenario.

[Worriedmale2016]

So should I be worried should I be looking for any symptoms, and is there any test that I can take sooner

[gnatcatcher]

Symptoms take years to show up, and taking the antibody test too soon can be inaccurate. Lucinda really knows her stuff. If you could take some other test sooner, she would have said so. The antibody test is what we all got.

Lucida calls your risk "theoretical" because it is highly unlikely that what you did last Saturday has given you Hep C. Her advice to get an antibody test in about 6 months to ease your mind is excellent advice.

Just for perspective, I had Hep C for almost 44 years and have been married for nearly that long, yet my spouse doesn't have it even though I occasionally used the wrong toothbrush because of absent-mindedness.

Wishing you peace.

Gnatty

[Worriedmale2016]

Thank you guys

[NYCHEPCMAN]

Sounds extremely low risk. I'd wait until my regular physical and just ask to add it when doing cbc.

[Worriedmale2016]

Is there an at home test for hep

[lporterrn]

Although you have virtually no risk, it sounds like you need reassurance. Contact Help4Hep to find out about testing: http://www.help4hep.org/ 877‑HELP‑4‑HEP There are a couple of options, including Walgreen's

[Worriedmale2016]

so my anxiety of hep c is back lately my urine has a lot of bubbles can this be a sign of hep c

[Mugwump]

so my anxiety of hep c is back lately my urine has a lot of bubbles can this be a sign of hep c

There really are no early signs of HCV infection. Testing unfortunately is not routinely done, but it should be because the antibody test is not a huge expense. The routine is if you show a positive antibody test then it is repeated to ascertain certainty of exposure to the virus. However this does not mean that you have acquired the disease all it means is that your body has developed antibodies for HCV.


If you test positive for the antibodies twice then it is time to ascertain if you have a viral load and if the virus is detectable. Again this test is usually repeated over a period of time. Over 25 percent of those who have an infection exposure clear the virus naturally with their immune system and never have any symptoms occur. The symptoms take years and are manifest in slow low grade flu like symptoms that are hard to quantify. So essentially HCV is very hard to diagnose from a symptom basis and until the disease progresses to liver damage little effects from the disease are evident in most people.


Yes get tested, especially if you put yourself at risk but casual contact with those who have HCV is not a concern.


The behaviour you describe is low risk but if you have done this over the years on more than one occasion then getting tested is a very good idea.


As for bubbles in the urine, if you have changed your diet or eaten some foods that can cause the viscosity of your urine to change then it should only be temporary. For a good laugh eat a whole jar of good old pickled beets and then watch what happens to the pee stream.


Cheers
Eric