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What Are The Chances Of Hepatitis C Transmission Through Sweat?

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Posted on Tue, 4 Aug 2015
Question: Last Thursday I was working with an individual who is Hep C+. I do not know about his HIV status. He was using a small rag to wipe sweat off his head because it was hot. The rag fell from his shoulder and I picked it up with my fingertips to hand back to him. I'm not sure if there was blood or any other substance on it, or if I had any cuts on my fingers or what I did with my fingers afterward. Nor did I check for sharp objects. The individual has a past history of intravenous drug use.

Is testing recommended?

Also, if I were to get the RNA PCR test, would that be conclusive at the 2-week post-exposure mark?

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No testing is required!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this encounter. I understand your worries but no testing is required. If this is how easy it were to transmit HepC,, everybody would have been having it. Please, do not even think for a second that you could have contracted any sort of infection from this encounter. There is absolutely no need to get tested.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Are The Chances Of Hepatitis C Transmission Through Sweat?

Brief Answer: No testing is required! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this encounter. I understand your worries but no testing is required. If this is how easy it were to transmit HepC,, everybody would have been having it. Please, do not even think for a second that you could have contracted any sort of infection from this encounter. There is absolutely no need to get tested. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.