I believe it's the right thing to notify any healthcare professional of your HCV status. I also believe in telling anyone that has the risk of coming into contact with your blood, such as your barber when you get a shave. You have to consider their risk of exposure and depending on their sterilization of equipment following your shave, the individual following you. While all such instruments are supposed to be cleaned according to established safety guidelines, not informing them could lead to a break in procedure. We have to consider the risk to others if they may come into contact with blood, so transparency is important.
Telling others is on a case by case basis. I always inform those that are caring for my health, even years after SVR. There are dozens of extra hepatic manifestations caused by HCV that may not be resolved after SVR. Your physician or other healthcare provider might miss the connection to HCV if they aren't informed.
That PDF document is very interesting. Thank you for this.
I wonder how much of this applies to me. Maybe Canities? I have started graying already. Fatigue most definitely. I've noticed my stamina has gotten worse over the years.
EricChuckFar1 said
Oct 19, 2016
Wow, thank you all for the detailed responses!
I will tell all health specialists that I visit. On the other hand I will likely keep to myself with others (unless there is a chance of getting them exposed).
By the way, as far as getting a shave with a barber, they usually use disposable razors (at least to the place I have been to).
Pablito said
Oct 18, 2016
Good question. My GP knows and occupational health at work know, as well as my regular GP. And any official form that asks will be filled in correctly.
But I don't feel the need to tell everyone. For example, if I was in a foreign country and had to see a doctor one-off for antibiotics I wouldn't bring it up unless I was asked or it might be relevant to the medical problem.
Cheddy said
Oct 18, 2016
Simply put, I agree with Tig 100%.
My general guideline is to speak up if it is helpful. Post SVR 12, I am an example of a cure. I am generally more open in an effort to inform, but only if the other person is actually listening, as opposed to gossiping. If I have a cut, I keep it away from others. If someone jumps in to help, I back them off. Remember - no shame! It's a virus.
Tig said
Oct 18, 2016
I believe it's the right thing to notify any healthcare professional of your HCV status. I also believe in telling anyone that has the risk of coming into contact with your blood, such as your barber when you get a shave. You have to consider their risk of exposure and depending on their sterilization of equipment following your shave, the individual following you. While all such instruments are supposed to be cleaned according to established safety guidelines, not informing them could lead to a break in procedure. We have to consider the risk to others if they may come into contact with blood, so transparency is important.
Telling others is on a case by case basis. I always inform those that are caring for my health, even years after SVR. There are dozens of extra hepatic manifestations caused by HCV that may not be resolved after SVR. Your physician or other healthcare provider might miss the connection to HCV if they aren't informed.
I have a specialist doctor visit scheduled in a few days and I realized that now I have to disclose to every single doctor I go to that I have HCV. This made me curious. Are there any legal ramifications if HCV is not disclosed? It's not even clear when is it appropriate to do so. For instance, while getting a massage they have a little questionnaire that lists several diseases as well as an "other" field. Do we have to disclose HCV there? What about when getting a shave at the barber?
Greetings,
Each person should consider their own private moral convictions in such matters and follow those as a matter of conscience.
With regard to The Law, in The United States there are few Federal Laws that would apply across the board. They generally however are specific to such activities a Blood Donation and the required testing to ensure a "clean process".
Individual States tend to regulate via State Law in such matters. Almost all have statues which include such crimes as assault and battery, reckless endangerment, and attempted murder. Each of these crimes however are tied to actual intent to do harm.
Only a signed document with an acknowledgement of knowingly providing false or misleading information constitutes Perjury, and could be used against you in a Criminal proceeding. This in regard to that "little questionnaire" you mentioned.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) in a nutshell gives YOU the Patient control over use of your Health Information.
To conclude, I would contend that unless it can be proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you with malice and forethought intended to do harm to another via transmission of HCV, and let me be clear, intended for them to be infected through direct contact with you, there is no Law and where there is no Law there can be no transgression.
As an example only. A Prostitute once arrested may be tested for Viral Conditions such as HIV and perhaps HCV. If found positive, a Judge would then have to stipulate that future convictions of Prostitution could constitute crimes such as assault and battery, reckless endangerment, and attempted murder. Now in such a case, the intent could be established based on the ruling going forward.
Now the flip side of the coin. Consider that you do not have an infection.
If you walk into a Dentist Office, a Tattoo Parlor, a Doctor or any other direct contact scenario and you do not see proper procedures in place to protect YOU from an infection, do you feel comfortable running the risk of infection?
The "little questionnaire"in a Massage Parlor is more of a feel good fuzzy sort of thing and proves nothing as it is not fool proof nor legally binding. Some folks look at such things and think "oh good I am safe because they check". To be honest THAT is their sole purpose. To provide a pacifier that means nothing. When in a Doctors Office, such information transfers to Medical Records and in most cases is used to help determine cause and effect.
Common sense in most cases suffice. Consider that Barber and think about that blade. Used on others and may have created a cut that bled. The real question rests with the condition of the blade prior to it being applied to your face. Do YOU know it to be sterile? For an absolute certainty? If not, your own question about the need to disclose should rule. Even if you do, does that ensure the guy before you did?
Now if The Barber has an open wound I consider it less of a matter of do you have to disclose as to the fact that he does not have to do so and you have no idea what he has.
Again, this all points to common sense. HCV is a Blood to Blood Contact condition. If you are likely to come into a Blood to Blood situation, then I believe you are morally responsible to disclose. Unless ordered by a Court however, you are not Legally bound in a Criminal sense.
Keep in mind now that Criminal Law is separated from Civil Law. Just because you can't be tried in a Criminal Case does not necessarily mean you cannot be brought before a Civil Court. This is the difference between Beyond a reasonable doubt and a Preponderance of evidence.
In closing we are not required to wear a "Scarlet Letter" and it must be remembered neither are those we come in contact with.
My comments are with regard to The United States of America and individual Countries may have other requirements in place.
JimmyK
Phoenix17 said
Oct 18, 2016
I let my Dentist know, and I will let any new medical professionals know as well. I also told my bosses at work.They are more friends as we have worked together for 17 years. It made sense to me, Know they understand all the aches and pains I have had. They are also very supportive. It was my choice to tell them. I didn't have to. I am not sure if you have to legally though.
wendyo said
Oct 18, 2016
I too shared it with all practitioners I was a patient of. Yes they are supposed to follow universal precautions but I wanted to do my part. With the privacy laws in place I was never concerned. (this is me and my reasoning) One never knows what we will learn from others or perhaps teach others, so I was quite open with my situation. I regularly got massages during the interferon days as it helped move the Rx thru the system and helped my aches and pains. Went to monthly on harvoni. I am sure you will do what feels comfortable to you and best of luck.
Observer said
Oct 18, 2016
Personally, I always told Drs, dentists, blood takers, chiropractors, accupuncturists after I was diagnosed. I had been so sick with this virus for so long when I found out, I wanted to make sure I didn't share it and for them to take extra precautions. I do not know about legalities.
As far as our immune systems being compromised by this virus, since the day I got it, I had issues with immune stuff. Flus lasted weeks and weeks and wounds wouldn't heal in normal time. I was relieved to finally understand why I was always sick and to be able to do something about it. Food, vitamins, exercise, naturopaths, accupuncturists, Chiropraters, massage, energy work, meditation.......
The liver is the most versatile organ in our body, doing something like 500 jobs. Everything from hormone balancing to processing every substance we breath, ingest or touch is influenced by the health (or lack thereof) of the liver, so it makes sense that our digestive, nervous and lymphatic systems suffer when the liver is constantly being attacked by nasty HCV.
Im glad you decided enough was enough and started being proactive in your self care.
Alison
EricChuckFar1 said
Oct 18, 2016
I have a specialist doctor visit scheduled in a few days and I realized that now I have to disclose to every single doctor I go to that I have HCV. This made me curious. Are there any legal ramifications if HCV is not disclosed? It's not even clear when is it appropriate to do so. For instance, while getting a massage they have a little questionnaire that lists several diseases as well as an "other" field. Do we have to disclose HCV there? What about when getting a shave at the barber?
[Edit] Wanted to piggy back on this thread to ask another question. Does having hep c constitute being immune-compromised? If so, is that only after hepc becomes chronic? I have been trying to figure out whether I have had symptoms or not for the past several years and can't decide whether my infection was causing those symptoms (or making them more noticeable). I have in fact been more prone to getting sick the past 4-5 years (sometimes 3-4 times within a single year). However, back in January 2015 I decided enough was enough and started taking better care of myself (dressing warmer, drinking plenty of water, vitamin C, zinc, etc.). The result was very noticeable. I only got sick twice, both times after coming back from a 3 week vacation. My guess is airplane germs
-- Edited by EricChuckFar1 on Tuesday 18th of October 2016 12:15:30 AM
That PDF document is very interesting. Thank you for this.
I wonder how much of this applies to me. Maybe Canities? I have started graying already. Fatigue most definitely. I've noticed my stamina has gotten worse over the years.
I will tell all health specialists that I visit. On the other hand I will likely keep to myself with others (unless there is a chance of getting them exposed).
By the way, as far as getting a shave with a barber, they usually use disposable razors (at least to the place I have been to).
Good question. My GP knows and occupational health at work know, as well as my regular GP. And any official form that asks will be filled in correctly.
But I don't feel the need to tell everyone. For example, if I was in a foreign country and had to see a doctor one-off for antibiotics I wouldn't bring it up unless I was asked or it might be relevant to the medical problem.
Simply put, I agree with Tig 100%.
My general guideline is to speak up if it is helpful. Post SVR 12, I am an example of a cure. I am generally more open in an effort to inform, but only if the other person is actually listening, as opposed to gossiping. If I have a cut, I keep it away from others. If someone jumps in to help, I back them off. Remember - no shame! It's a virus.
I believe it's the right thing to notify any healthcare professional of your HCV status. I also believe in telling anyone that has the risk of coming into contact with your blood, such as your barber when you get a shave. You have to consider their risk of exposure and depending on their sterilization of equipment following your shave, the individual following you. While all such instruments are supposed to be cleaned according to established safety guidelines, not informing them could lead to a break in procedure. We have to consider the risk to others if they may come into contact with blood, so transparency is important.
Telling others is on a case by case basis. I always inform those that are caring for my health, even years after SVR. There are dozens of extra hepatic manifestations caused by HCV that may not be resolved after SVR. Your physician or other healthcare provider might miss the connection to HCV if they aren't informed.
Just my
Extra Hepatic Manifestations
Greetings,
Each person should consider their own private moral convictions in such matters and follow those as a matter of conscience.
With regard to The Law, in The United States there are few Federal Laws that would apply across the board. They generally however are specific to such activities a Blood Donation and the required testing to ensure a "clean process".
Individual States tend to regulate via State Law in such matters. Almost all have statues which include such crimes as assault and battery, reckless endangerment, and attempted murder. Each of these crimes however are tied to actual intent to do harm.
Only a signed document with an acknowledgement of knowingly providing false or misleading information constitutes Perjury, and could be used against you in a Criminal proceeding. This in regard to that "little questionnaire" you mentioned.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) in a nutshell gives YOU the Patient control over use of your Health Information.
To conclude, I would contend that unless it can be proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you with malice and forethought intended to do harm to another via transmission of HCV, and let me be clear, intended for them to be infected through direct contact with you, there is no Law and where there is no Law there can be no transgression.
As an example only. A Prostitute once arrested may be tested for Viral Conditions such as HIV and perhaps HCV. If found positive, a Judge would then have to stipulate that future convictions of Prostitution could constitute crimes such as assault and battery, reckless endangerment, and attempted murder. Now in such a case, the intent could be established based on the ruling going forward.
Now the flip side of the coin. Consider that you do not have an infection.
If you walk into a Dentist Office, a Tattoo Parlor, a Doctor or any other direct contact scenario and you do not see proper procedures in place to protect YOU from an infection, do you feel comfortable running the risk of infection?
The "little questionnaire"in a Massage Parlor is more of a feel good fuzzy sort of thing and proves nothing as it is not fool proof nor legally binding. Some folks look at such things and think "oh good I am safe because they check". To be honest THAT is their sole purpose. To provide a pacifier that means nothing. When in a Doctors Office, such information transfers to Medical Records and in most cases is used to help determine cause and effect.
Common sense in most cases suffice. Consider that Barber and think about that blade. Used on others and may have created a cut that bled. The real question rests with the condition of the blade prior to it being applied to your face. Do YOU know it to be sterile? For an absolute certainty? If not, your own question about the need to disclose should rule. Even if you do, does that ensure the guy before you did?
Now if The Barber has an open wound I consider it less of a matter of do you have to disclose as to the fact that he does not have to do so and you have no idea what he has.
Again, this all points to common sense. HCV is a Blood to Blood Contact condition. If you are likely to come into a Blood to Blood situation, then I believe you are morally responsible to disclose. Unless ordered by a Court however, you are not Legally bound in a Criminal sense.
Keep in mind now that Criminal Law is separated from Civil Law. Just because you can't be tried in a Criminal Case does not necessarily mean you cannot be brought before a Civil Court. This is the difference between Beyond a reasonable doubt and a Preponderance of evidence.
In closing we are not required to wear a "Scarlet Letter" and it must be remembered neither are those we come in contact with.
My comments are with regard to The United States of America and individual Countries may have other requirements in place.
JimmyK
I let my Dentist know, and I will let any new medical professionals know as well. I also told my bosses at work.They are more friends as we have worked together for 17 years. It made sense to me, Know they understand all the aches and pains I have had. They are also very supportive. It was my choice to tell them. I didn't have to. I am not sure if you have to legally though.
I too shared it with all practitioners I was a patient of. Yes they are supposed to follow universal precautions but I wanted to do my part. With the privacy laws in place I was never concerned. (this is me and my reasoning) One never knows what we will learn from others or perhaps teach others, so I was quite open with my situation. I regularly got massages during the interferon days as it helped move the Rx thru the system and helped my aches and pains. Went to monthly on harvoni. I am sure you will do what feels comfortable to you and best of luck.
Personally, I always told Drs, dentists, blood takers, chiropractors, accupuncturists after I was diagnosed. I had been so sick with this virus for so long when I found out, I wanted to make sure I didn't share it and for them to take extra precautions. I do not know about legalities.
As far as our immune systems being compromised by this virus, since the day I got it, I had issues with immune stuff. Flus lasted weeks and weeks and wounds wouldn't heal in normal time. I was relieved to finally understand why I was always sick and to be able to do something about it. Food, vitamins, exercise, naturopaths, accupuncturists, Chiropraters, massage, energy work, meditation.......
The liver is the most versatile organ in our body, doing something like 500 jobs. Everything from hormone balancing to processing every substance we breath, ingest or touch is influenced by the health (or lack thereof) of the liver, so it makes sense that our digestive, nervous and lymphatic systems suffer when the liver is constantly being attacked by nasty HCV.
Im glad you decided enough was enough and started being proactive in your self care.
Alison
I have a specialist doctor visit scheduled in a few days and I realized that now I have to disclose to every single doctor I go to that I have HCV. This made me curious. Are there any legal ramifications if HCV is not disclosed? It's not even clear when is it appropriate to do so. For instance, while getting a massage they have a little questionnaire that lists several diseases as well as an "other" field. Do we have to disclose HCV there? What about when getting a shave at the barber?
[Edit] Wanted to piggy back on this thread to ask another question. Does having hep c constitute being immune-compromised? If so, is that only after hepc becomes chronic? I have been trying to figure out whether I have had symptoms or not for the past several years and can't decide whether my infection was causing those symptoms (or making them more noticeable). I have in fact been more prone to getting sick the past 4-5 years (sometimes 3-4 times within a single year). However, back in January 2015 I decided enough was enough and started taking better care of myself (dressing warmer, drinking plenty of water, vitamin C, zinc, etc.). The result was very noticeable. I only got sick twice, both times after coming back from a 3 week vacation. My guess is airplane germs
-- Edited by EricChuckFar1 on Tuesday 18th of October 2016 12:15:30 AM