Reinfection

[Mike]

I was wondering if it is possible to reinfect yourself with Hep-C after you clear the virus (I know you can be reinfected by someone else).

Specifically, once you clear the virus can you reinfect yourself by using the same toothbrush, razor or nail clippers that  you used when you were infected while on treatment?

The reason I ask this is, with the new drugs available, the virus can be cleared within 1-4 weeks. I'd hate to be virus free at the end of tx, only to reinfect myself by using the toothbrush I used the during treatment.

I've already bought a new toothbrush and razor - but was curious about this.

Let me know, Mike

[Anand]

Hi Mike,

Very good question.   First thing that came to my mind is what is the shelf life? Can HVC survive in other environment even dried blood or tooth brush. When you are free from HVC if tiny blood clots in blood stream are out of reach to the medication.  I am sure the research scientists in the know of HVC may be able to answer some of these problems. May be during treatment time is it possible to de-HVC from blood-letting implements like tooth brush that we use every day. Thanks

Anand

[jberlin]

Mike,
Interesting question - and I was cured in 2012 and never thought about this, but it is a legit concern.  As I change my razor blades pretty regular, that should not be a question, but what about a travel kit that sat unused during treatment?  Interesting, and perhaps the cause of the rare, rare cases of relapse after 6 months... One of the reasons that Hep C swept through IV drug users and tattoo parlors was that bleach was the accepted sterilizing agent of the day, and actually does not kill Hep C - it is a tuff mother!  Interesting thought and mystery, and one I would not test - when in doubt, throw it out!  -jack

[jess1323]

that a great ? I live in the house with husband and my 84 yr granny move in to take care of her and clean with bleach and tought i was killing the hep c if it was there for some reason                       what do i clean with that will protect my family i would never for give my self if my granny got sick from me

[jberlin]

Jess,
Don't worry about exposing others - it is blood to blood only.  I was talking about cleaning needles with bleach... but you are not sharing needles or razors or getting tattoos together...  breathe in, breathe out - and take this one step at a time - all will be fine....  -jack

[jess1323]

i am ok u have saved me over and over agin just a little on edge thanks but still a great ? Thank      love jess

[Mike]

I know the chance of infection from a toothbrush or razor is very minimal, it just makes sense to swap these with new ones once you're virus free (to error on the side of caution), Mike

[Mike]

Hi Jess,

Hep-C is a blood-born pathogen and and transmitted blood-to-blood. You shouldn't worry about infecting anyone one you live with. It's OK to hug your grandmother, friends and so on.

There's just somethings you don't do when you have Hep-C, which include sharing a toothbrush or razor, Mike

[iana5252]

We posted this piece in December 2013.

Dried Hep C Can Live on Surfaces for Up to Six Weeks
http://www.hepmag.com/articles/inanimate_surfaces_2501_24940.shtml

There are still studies ongoing so watch for more information on this topic as hepatitis C is proving to be a tough customer to kill.

- Ian

[Mike]

Thanks, Ian.

This answers my question, Mike

[jess1323]

thank that was very help full to me to thank u