See All
Preferences
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests

Recent events have me really worried about catching HEP C. Since reading that the virus survives well outside the body, it seems like it could be lurking anywhere. This past weekend, I was at a neighborhood BBQ and I noticed this older man had a cut outside of his hand. He shook my hand and I immediately noticed a droplet of blood on my thumb. I actually walked over to the pool and dipped my hands in the pool, then I went to wash my hands. I also remember that he handed me a cup earlier in that day and I filled it w/ water from the fountain to drink. I do have gingivitis and my gums sometimes bleed. Nevertheless, I was extremely anxious all day due to that experience and I didn't sleep well at all for a few days. The old man, by the way, said he was retired military and I heard that a lot of military baby boomers have HEP C.
Yesterday I went to the gym for a light workout and shook a few peoples hands on the way out. I wasn't really that sweaty and I made the mistake of picking my nose a few minutes later in the car on my way home. That got me really nervous too because I'm wondering if there were any small traces of blood on some of the equipment or on some of the peoples' hands.
I try to be hygienic as possible but sometimes I pick at my nose or rub my eyes and I'm nervous about HEP C transmission because I am around people all day and some people might have small cuts, etc. I even get nervous at the barber shop because sometimes the electric shaver seems sharp and I've never seen them sanitize them (and I've been to several barbershops).
Should I be worried about HEP C from these incidents? I got tested a year ago and I was negative. I just feel it's so easy to get the virus.View Thread

I picked up some drive thru fast-food today on the way home(chicken nuggets and a crispy pie) and as I was eating it I felt a burning pain in my tongue. I went to my bathroom mirror and noticed a small bump on my tongue had popped and it started to bleed. I spit out the blood and it stopped bleeding around a minute or two later but it still stings a bit. I guess my mouth was a little irritated and somehow the food made it worse. My question is, could I have been infected with any form of Hepatits? What if one of the people handling the food had HEP C and had a cut on his finger or somehow transmitted blood to the food? Could there have been a possible blood to blood transfer? Please help, I'm kind of freaking out! Is there any post exposure treatments available that I should take?View Thread
Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Other Hepatitis Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
