hepatitis and mucus

[ocdbubble]

Hello all,

This is my first time posting and I was hoping to ask for some advice regarding whether I should proceed with testing or not.

I apologize if this seems far fetched and I admit my anxiety gets the best of me. However a relative has visited from a country where hep b and c are prevalent. I do not know his status. But what has caused some discomfort is the fact that he blows his nose often and does not wash his hands even after using the bathroom. I discovered this after I had previously held his hands and then had rubbed my eye (touching the mucous membrane in the corner).

I read that the eye can be a legitimate place of transmission. And if he did not wash his hands after blowing his nose, somehow I picture microscopic traces of mucus or blood on his hands. I feel ashamed for having these thoughts and fears, and I do not want to be insensitive towards anyone. Unfortunately, once that fear sets in, it's all I can think about. I've been getting some counseling but so far it has not helped.

I am considering getting tested for hep b and c, but the waiting period is nerve wrecking. Could I please get some advice on whether my risk was big enough to warrant testing?

[Lynn K]

What you have described are not defined as known risks for either hep B or hep C both are blood borne viruses meaning hepatitis infected blood must enter the blood stream of an uninfected person.

My suggestion is to keep working with your counselor when you have these kinds of issues come up.

If you get tested every time you have these kinds of fears you will waste a lot of money and time on unnecessary testing and somehow I doubt a negative test would allay your fears and you would still feel the need to test and test again.

Keep working on your medical anxiety I hope you find peace 

[ocdbubble]

Thank you for your response Lynn!

Reassurance, even if it's momentary does help. Fear can linger, but I will continue to work on it!