If My Husband Has Hepatitis C Will I Get It

Which Hepatitis Is An Std

Hepatitis A, B, and C can be sexually transmitted.

• Hepatitis A: Although the fecal-oral route is common for hepatitis A, the virus can also be transmitted from any sexual activity. The use of condoms does not effectively prevent the spread of hepatitis A.
• Hepatitis B: Sexual contact is the most common mode of Hepatitis B transmission in the United States. Compared to HIV, a hepatitis B infection is 50 to 100 times more likely to be transmitted sexually. The transmission risk is higher among unvaccinated people with risk behaviors like having multiple sex partners and men having sex with men .
• Hepatitis C: The Hepatitis C virus may be transmitted via sexual contact. However, studies have shown that such transmission is very rare. A higher rate of sexual transmission of the hepatitis C infection is seen in MSM, especially those who practice unprotected anal intercourse and have an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus .

Should We Always Use Condoms

That all depends. If you have multiple partners, you should use a barrier method to prevent transmission, but for monogamous partners, even the CDC does not say you need to routinely use condoms to prevent spreading hep C. The HIV virus is more easily transmitted through sex than hep C, says Dr. Terrault. But if you have sex during your period, or you engage in anal sex, which is more likely to cause bleeding, the risk of contracting hep C is higher, the Mayo Clinic notes. In that case then you should definitely use condomsevery time you have sex.

How It’s Passed On

The hepatitis C virus is found in blood and is passed on when infected blood gets into another persons bloodstream. Its seen as unlikely that it can be passed on in semen.

Most people get the virus from sharing drug injecting equipment such as needles, syringes, water cups, tourniquets, spoons, filters and swabs. Sharing things like straws and banknotes that are used for snorting drugs might pass the virus on, as can sharing pipes.

In the UK piercing and tattooing should be safe but unsterilised equipment abroad can spread the virus.

An infected person risks infecting others if they share anything that might have blood on it like a toothbrush or razor. A pregnant woman with the virus can give it to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Blood transfusions in the UK are safe as blood is screened.

You can also potentially get it from medical or dental treatment abroad in countries where hepatitis C is common and infection control is inadequate.

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How To Prevent Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by a virus . It can be serious and theres no cure, but the good news is its easy to prevent. You can protect yourself by getting the hepatitis B vaccine and having safer sex. If you have oral, anal, and vaginal sex, use condoms and dental dams to help stop the spread of hepatitis B and other STDs.

What Should I Know If Im Dating Someone With Hepatitis C

The primary concern is contracting HCV. Living with a person puts you at risk but only if you come into contact with their blood. The virus is not spread by:

• hugging
• coughing
• sneezing

You can contract HCV through sexual contact but the risk is low. Stay informed so you can take proper precautions. This will greatly reduce your risk of contracting HCV.

The more comfortable you feel with the diagnosis and what needs to be done to reduce the possible spread of the virus, the better you will feel when caring for your partner and building a relationship together.

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If I Have Hepatitis C Infection Does This Mean I Am Going To Have Other Health Problems

Hepatitis C can cause scarring of the liver leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Other conditions have also been linked to hepatitis C and are known as extra-hepatic manifestations of hepatitis C. They include diabetes mellitus, arthritis, hypothyroid, and aplastic anemia among other conditions. Talk to your provider for more information.

Is It Possible To Maintain A Relationship During Your Hepatitis C Treatment

Yes, you can maintain a relationship during your HCV treatment. Its important to remember that treatments come with side effects. These side effects may leave you exhausted or sick. Date as you feel up to it. Be honest with your partner about your energy levels and why they may fluctuate.

Also, as the infection progresses, the damage to your liver may cause serious complications. These, too, can impact your quality of life. Its important to pace yourself and try not to exert all your energy at once. You may end up feeling worse and have a difficult time rebounding.

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Who Should Get Tested

You should consider getting tested for hepatitis C if you’re worried you could have been infected or you fall into one of the groups at an increased risk of being infected.

• Hepatitis C often has no symptoms, so you may still be infected if you feel healthy.
• The following groups of people are at an increased risk of hepatitis C:
• ex-drug users and current drug users, particularly users of injected drugs
• people who received blood transfusions before September 1991
• recipients of organ or tissue transplants before 1992
• people who have lived or had medical treatment in an area where hepatitis C is common high risk areas include North Africa, the Middle East and Central and East Asia
• babies and children whose mothers have hepatitis C
• anyone accidentally exposed to the virus, such as health workers
• people who have received a tattoo or piercing where equipment may not have been properly sterilised
• sexual partners of people with hepatitis C

If you continue to engage in high-risk activities, such as injecting drugs frequently, regular testing may be recommended. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.

Should I Tell The Person Im Dating

Yes, you probably should. But what if you cant get treated due to costs , or youre right in the middle of treatment? Dating is hard enough without having to tell someone new that you have hep C, right? Think again. Dr. Terrault says you dont have to bring it up on the first date, but it is important to start a relationship with honestystarting with the truth about your health. Although hepatitis C is not easily transmitted via sex, especially in a monogamous heterosexual relationship, it is important to discuss with a new sex partner.

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I Was At No Risk For Ever Having Hepatitis B

The following letter is written by a 35-year-old woman who contracted hepatitis B virus infection. This mother of three children, like at least one third of people who contract hepatitis B, had no known risk factors for HBV infection. We are printing her story because, as she says, I hope my story helps convince people to get their children and themselves immunized. No one should have to go through what I went through.The letter is as follows:1/6/99 ⢠REPORT #9Disclaimer:

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Liver Disease C And Pregnancy

Many women conceive during the years in between 20 and 40, which is likewise the age where the incidence of hepatitis C infection is increasing most quickly.

Any woman with risk factors for hepatitis C should be screened for liver disease C prior to and during pregnancy.

The risk of a pregnant woman passing the liver disease C infection to her coming child has actually been related to the levels of quantitative RNA levels in her blood, as well as whether she is also HIV favorable.

The risk of transmission to the infant is less if the mom is HIV unfavorable and if she has no history of i.v. drug use or of blood transfusions.

Transmission of the infection to the fetus is greatest in women with hepatitis C RNA titer greater than 1 million copies/mL. Moms without liver disease C RNA levels spotted did not transmit liver disease C infection to their infants.

There is no preventive treatment at this time that can affect the rate of transmission of the virus from mom to infant.

A pregnant woman with hepatitis will have to be followed by an expert who can examine their liver function tests regularly.

Good luck! Have a nice weekend!

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Risk Of Contracting Hepatitis C From Your Spouse

Hepatitis C, variously known as hep C or HCV, is the name given to the condition of severe inflammation and inflammation of the liver. The root cause behind this life threatening disease is over-consumption of alcohol. This gives rise to severe liver scarring or cirrhosis making the patient susceptible to hepatitis C. Now, being a highly contagious pathogen, hepatitis C virus can spread easily if the infected blood comes in contact with healthy blood through some means or the other.

One of the ways of acquiring hepatitis C virus without being overtly alcoholic is by coming in contact with an already infected person sexually. If the act of sexual intercourse is done without the use of condoms, the semen or the vaginal fluids may transfer the virus to the other person or there maybe bloodshed of a minor kind during the course of the act, through which also, the virus can spread.

Now ironically, a healthy person with a single sexual partner has a higher chance of developing hepatitis C infection than someone with multiple partners. This is because a monogamous person will tend to not use condoms much with his or her spouse as the level of comfort increases. In the case of a person with more than one partner, this normally would not be the case and would show a certain amount of inhibition.

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But Even If You’ve Been Cured It Can Have Lifelong Health Implications

“Hepatitis C is a lot more than just a liver disease,” Reau says. “It has been associated with many medical conditions, such as an increased risk of developing diabetes, kidney disease and cancer.”

While curing hepatitis C significantly reduces the risk of serious complications, like liver failure, liver cancer and the need for transplantation, it doesn’t completely eliminate the health risks associated with the disease.

“Hep C is linked to scarring of the liver or cirrhosis and the more scar tissue that develops, the greater the likelihood of complications,” Reau says. “If there is a lot of scarring, you will need lifelong monitoring.”

Reau also recommends leading a healthy lifestyle to help prevent re-infection and further liver damage: Limit alcohol consumption, control your weight, avoid high-risk activities and manage diabetes if you have it.

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How Can The Spread Of Hepatitis C Be Prevented

People who have had hepatitis C should remain aware that their blood is potentially infectious.

• Do not shoot drugs if you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program if you can’t stop, never share needles, syringes, water or “works”, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
• Do not share personal care items that might have blood on them .
• If you are a health care or public safety worker, always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
• Consider the risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. You might get infected if the tools have someone else’s blood on them or if the artist or piercer does not follow good health practices.
• HCV can be spread by sex, but this is rare. If you are having sex with more than one steady sex partner, use latex condoms correctly and every time to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. You should also get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
• If you are infected with HCV, do not donate blood, organs or tissue.

Will Hepatitis Affect My Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding can be infected with the same STIs and BBVs as people who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are infected with an STI or BBV during pregnancy it can cause serious health complications for both you and your baby. Complications can include:

• Infection in the uterus .
• Passing the infection to the baby causing health conditions.
• Miscarriage.
• Premature birth.

Hepatitis B and C can be passed on through blood from a pregnant person to a baby in the uterus , during delivery or during breastfeeding . Hepatitis is not passed on though breast milk.

If you have hepatitis during pregnancy, there are medications that can be used during pregnancy and after delivery to help reduce the chance of hepatitis infection in your baby.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and considering treatment for an STI or BBV, ask your doctor, nurse or midwife about the possible effects of the treatment or medicine on your baby or breastfeeding.

If you are planning a pregnancy or already pregnant, it is recommended you and your sexual partner/s have STI and BBV screening tests, even if you have been tested in the past. Hepatitis B and C testing are part of a routine antenatal screen. You can speak to your doctor, nurse or midwife for more information.

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Can Vaccines Prevent The Sexual Transmission Of Hepatitis

• Hepatitis A: Measures used to prevent the spread of STDs, like the use of condoms, do not prevent hepatitis A transmission. Fortunately, an effective vaccine for preventing Hepatitis A transmission is available and is the most important measure to protect people at risk of infection.
• Hepatitis B: A hepatitis B vaccine safely and effectively protects against infection of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have recommended the hepatitis B vaccination for:
• Sexually active people who are not in long-term, mutually monogamous relationships .
• People seeking evaluation or treatment for a sexually transmitted disease.
• CDC also recommends hepatitis B testing and hepatitis B vaccination for
• Sexual partners of people with hepatitis B.

What Is Involved In A Liver Transplant

A liver transplant is considered necessary when the liver is damaged and cannot function or in some cases of liver cancer. Your liver is very important. It is responsible for many functions related to making sure that your body stays healthy and is able to digest foods.

You may be eligible for a transplant if you have chronic hepatitis B infection or some of the diseases that may result from it, including liver cancer and cirrhosis. You will have to complete testing and be evaluated before being approved for a transplant. It is likely that you will be placed on a waiting list while an appropriate organ is found.

Donated livers come from two types of donors: living and deceased. Because the liver can regenerate, it is possible to use part of a liver for transplant. The remaining sections in both the donor and the receiver will grow into livers of adequate size.

People who get liver transplants must take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of their lives. These drugs make you more susceptible to infection. However, liver transplants have become more successful over time and continue to improve.

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Can You Pass Hepatitis C To A Sex Partner

Sex and Sexuality

Yes, but it is not likely. Compared to hepatitis B virus and the human immunodeficiency virus , it is less likely that you will spread the hepatitis C virus to your sex partner.

If you have one long-term sex partner, and one of you has hepatitis C and one of you does not, you do not need to change your sex habits at all. But, if either you or your partner is worried about the small chance of spreading the hepatitis C virus, you can use latex condoms. This will make it almost impossible to spread the virus. Long-term partners of people with hepatitis C should get tested for the virus. If the test is negative, you will probably not need to repeat it.

If you have more than one sex partner, you are more likely to spread the virus. In this case, reduce the number of sex partners you have, practice safer sex, and always use latex condoms.

There have been outbreaks of sexually transmitted HCV infection among men who have HIV and who have sex with men. It is recommended that men who have sex with men use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HCV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Hepatitis B And Safe Sex

“All three forms of viral hepatitis may be transmitted sexually, although hepatitis B is most commonly transmitted sexually,” explains Michael B. Fallon, MD, professor of medicine at The University of Texas Medical School in Houston. Once you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B, you should tell your partner so he or she can be tested. If your partner does not have hepatitis B, and is not already immune to hepatitis B, a vaccine is recommended.

“Sexual partners of individuals with hepatitis B should consider vaccination to prevent acquiring infections,” says Fallon. Hepatitis B immune globulin which works like an antibody, quickly fighting infection can also be given to a partner who has been exposed to your body fluids within two weeks after exposure to prevent infection. Even after your partner has been vaccinated, you should always use a condom.

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