I'm hep C neg- newly dating POS guy who "cleared" HEP C through treatment - HELP

[Bigmatt]

Happy New Year Everyone,

I joined this site seeking answers. I am a military man vaccinated for both Hep A and  B, but understand there's not a vaccine for  Hep C. I don't date too much, but recently started dating an awesome man claiming he had hepatitis C, but "cleared" the virus from his body through treatment (i.e. interferon). He claims he no longer has the virus in his body. Should I trust him? I want to visit his doctor with him. I heard the virus can be cleared but lie dormant in the body. Because of my job with the military, I must aim to preserve my health. Here are my questions:

1. If he "cleared" the virus from his body, is he still contagious to me? Like, is there  a possibility of some virus in his system?
2. Is it a good idea for him to get tested for the virus and visit his doctor together to talk about "our" risks?
3. If he is contagious, what precautions should I take to prevent catching the virus (i.e. blood spill kit, gloves handy in the house, not sharing toothbrushes, etc).
4. I heard sexual transmission is rather low.

I hope I don't sound ignorant, but that's why I am here. He is a great guy, and I don't want to nix him because diseases are just a fact of life.

I appreciate the consideration and comments!

[petra]

Hi, just look up the current stats on male to male sexual transmission of Hepatitis.
If he is clear of the virus he should be able to prove it. It is important to find out how long ago he was considered virus free.
You should be very careful,
Petra

[Mugwump]

If you are having a relationship then study the known science about the infection, be careful of folk lore with this disease. Knowledge builds trust and without it there is no foundation for a caring relationship regardless of the nature of the relationship.

Truthfulness about my infection with my spouse, children and anyone that I might inadvertently expose to this virus is job one for me! Read my signature.

Best Wishes

[Bigmatt]

Thanks, but if you are "cleared'" of the virus, meaning it's undetectable, is a person  for the most part still contagious?

[Mugwump]

Thanks, but if you are "cleared'" of the virus, meaning it's undetectable, is a person  for the most part still contagious?

I would read that sharing needles is not a good idea or giving blood if you have ever been rated as being HCV positive. However safe intimate contact is not a known method of transmission of this specific virus. The data does not support a significant risk to the intimate partner. Safe intimate practices are however never a bad thing regardless of persuasions.

The difference between HCV positive and active is qualitative and can only be ascertained by a viral load scan and liver function blood work assay. In general I would think that a high viral load level increases the risk profile. Obviously if the virus cannot be detected in the blood then the risk of transmission will be minimal.
edit THANKS MIKE obviously if the virus is not present in the blood stream then there should be no chance of infecting others

I have 3 daughters from two different relationships since 1973 and none of my partners have been infected. I suspect that I was infected by a backroom tattoo done in 1970 when I was 17 years of age!

Regards
Eric
   

[Bigmatt]

Thanks Eric!

[petra]

It's not the whether someone is gay or not, it's the kind of sex one is having.
What is "safe intimate contact" between adults with no diseases to share with each other?

[Mugwump]

It's not the whether someone is gay or not, it's the kind of sex one is having.
What is "safe intimate contact" between adults with no diseases to share with each other?

If vascular harm is caused during relations then contact is not as safe as should be. IMO.

I will limit my comment to this statement regardless of gender combinations of partnerships.  I am not a qualified infectious disease specialist.  But the conclusions reached here are not based upon belief only logic and what others have observed.

If I were considering a new partnership, heaven forbid at my age, I would delve into the stats collected by the CDC as well as take precautions.

On the lighter side of things;

Finding a condom large enough to fit over my entire body head first is rather problematic, as I do tend to be an over blown obnoxious  _ _ _ _ _  at times, at least according to my spouse!

Regards
Eric

[petra]

Ok, that was totally worth it.
I'm having a seriously good chuckle that I need and deserve!

Thank you Eric!

[Lynn K]

Thanks, but if you are "cleared'" of the virus, meaning it's undetectable, is a person  for the most part still contagious?

Hi

If the person has treated and 12 weeks post treatment and especially 24 weeks post treatment they are still undetectable they do not have the virus in their system so there is nothing to transmit. They will always test positive for the hep c antibodies but as long as when tested for the virus itself the HCV RNA test the result undetectable they don't have the virus.

They can't donate blood but that is as a precaution and if they had an accident of some type that involves bleeding it just make sense for anyone to use caution cleaning up a blood spill. But I don't believe you have anything to worry about.

You could go in to see his doctor with him to have a doctor explain your risks if that would put your mind at ease.

Best wishes to you both

[Mike]

Hi Bigmatt,

The chance of contracting HCV through sex is minimal; but minimal doesn't mean zero.

Having said that, if you're partner cleared the virus (attained a sustained virological response 24 weeks after treatment ended, which was the standard for interferon-based treatment protocols), there is no risk of infection. This is because the virus was eradicated.

Specifically, HCV is an RNA virus and has to replicate to to remain active. If all the viruses are eradicated through treatment, the infection is over, as there are no viruses left to replicate and keep the cycle going.  Once cured, there is no way to spread the infection, as there are no viruses to spread.

To answer your question: No. Your partner is not contagious

Another point is that, once a person is exposed to HCV (regardless of being cured) he or she will always test positive for the HCV antibodies.

Likewise, if a person is vaccinated for measles, he or she will also test positive for the antibodies, even though they never had the disease. The same is true with HCV.

You may want to discuss your concerns with your partner in an open and honest way and discuss your fears.

Best wishes, Mike