Any exposure to blood, if you have small cuts, is a potential risk for any blood bourne virus. During the period I didn't know I had Hep C, my daughter occasionally used my razor, was exposed to my blood when I had an accident etc.... she tested negative.
When you consider the usual risk factors for Hep C - blood transfusions, needlestick injury, sharing needles for drug use and unsterile medical procedures, they all have one thing in common - the infected blood is actually introduced by puncturing the skin and having direct contact with your own blood supply. Many people have lived with family/partners who are unaware they have the virus and been exposed to their blood in various circumstances, but remain virus free.
The only advice I can offer is to discuss your fears with a health professional and take it from there. Having a test would put your mind at rest, though may have implications for insurance puposes, which is why you're best oprion is to consult a doctor.
Hope this helps
Love Steff xx
Bobbygrinns524 said
Jan 3, 2011
Hello all,
Please answer this question as I have been worried and have been told a few different things on different forums. My question is in regards to contracting Hep C from the following exposure.
I was at the gas station pumping gas after pumping I used hand sanitizer on my hands (As I always do) and didn't think anything of it. About 20 minutes later when I reached my destination I seen a few streaks of dried blood on my two gas pump fingers. I then used more sanitizer to scrub the stains off my fingers (It was not easily removed)that got most of it off but not all so I scrubbed my fingers with soap and water to complete the removal. Here are my questions
I have a few small non bleeding cuts on my hands (Maybe a day or two old) maybe not that old not 100% sure but not bleeding at all and were not new fresh cuts.
Was I at risk for contracting HEP C from what I describe above? What if while using the sanitizer I wiped some of the blood into my non bleeding cuts? Due to using the sanitizer I did not see blood on or around my cuts but it may of been mixed with the sanitizer. also what about after when I was trying to remove the dried blood from my fingers.
What is my risk level? Should I worry about this exposure? Should I be tested for HEP C?
Any exposure to blood, if you have small cuts, is a potential risk for any blood bourne virus. During the period I didn't know I had Hep C, my daughter occasionally used my razor, was exposed to my blood when I had an accident etc.... she tested negative.
When you consider the usual risk factors for Hep C - blood transfusions, needlestick injury, sharing needles for drug use and unsterile medical procedures, they all have one thing in common - the infected blood is actually introduced by puncturing the skin and having direct contact with your own blood supply. Many people have lived with family/partners who are unaware they have the virus and been exposed to their blood in various circumstances, but remain virus free.
The only advice I can offer is to discuss your fears with a health professional and take it from there. Having a test would put your mind at rest, though may have implications for insurance puposes, which is why you're best oprion is to consult a doctor.
Hope this helps
Love Steff xx