Another Hepatitis C question?

Question

How is Hep C transmitted through sex? Isn't it only spreadable through blood? I am supposing that this means it spread through sex when blood is involved. Is this correct? Also, is my family at risk of contracting Hep C from another family member?

Answer 1

It is a blood-borne disease and is spread by sharing blood -- intraveneous drug use, transfusions before they started testing the blood supply in 1992, tattoos (fresh needles, but blood backs up in the tubing), and so on.

Hep C is not transmitted by other body fluids such as urine, sweat, saliva or semen. The only way it is spread during sex is if there is an exchange of blood.

If someone in the family has hep C, other members of the household should avoid using that person's personal items -- toothbrush, razor, nail file, comb, etc. -- because there may be trace amounts of blood on them. You can mark this person's possessions with nail polish, a Sharpie, or a piece of masking tape so the rest of the family knows not to use them. If this person cuts his finger and needs a Band-Aid, let him put it on himself. Use chlorine bleach to clean up any blood spills. Your own intact skin should keep his blood from entering your bloodstream if you accidentally come in contact with a small amount of blood.

According the the Centers for Disease Control web site, you should be tested if you:
- were notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C.
- have ever injected illegal drugs, even if you experimented a few times many years ago
- received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July, 1992
- were a recipient of clotting factor(s) made before 1987
- have ever been on long-term kidney dialysis
- have evidence of liver disease (e.g., persistently abnormal ALT levels)

Here is a link to the CDC for hep C info:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepat...

Answer 2

The amount of infectious blood in sexual fluids is negligible. The risk of contracting through sex goes up as the behaviour changes - rough with blood or anal with tearing - anytime blood is present. As long as the infected persons blood does not get into the bloodstream of another family member you should be OK. The infected person should keep their toiletries in their own bag and make sure you do not share razors, toothbrushes, nail brushes, anything that blood is present on.

Answer 3

Hepatitis C is mostly transmitted through blood, such as transfusions, IV drugs uses get it from sharing needles. You can get it from sexual contact, from semon, are blood due to vaginal tears, as for as family member it is a good idea not to share toothbrushes, razors, or let family members come in contact with bleeding wounds, cuts scratches.