I think that it's just 'human nature' to do dumb things; actually, without specific knowledge or training in dealing with contaminants or blood-borne pathogens- how would a person even know the risk?

Having worked in detention facility environments for decades, I am a bit 'OCD' when it comes to "cross contaminant" issues; my wife- not so much.  :-z

Yep. not 100% sure were i got it. ex hubby had it. i don't even bothermy mind with that.  it won't help.. I just want to be undetectable nextg week. But sounds like you were a kids yo your mom..& smart too. 

Thanks for the reply mopey ,, I put that up here to help others be aware, The sewing needle thing,that is something that nobody considers,

Hi Huey,

I really feel for you. From experience though, and I'm sure you already know this, going over past mistakes or negligence will just drive you crazy and be terribly counter-productive. Try not to be too hard on yourself. You were just a child. As such a responsible child you probably were more vigilant and self-aware than most, but you couldn't have known everything.

Taking care of my mother when she was sick, as a 12 year old I thought it was my duty.I wonted my mom well and I set out to find a cure,I began reading my sisters "not the nurse , middle sisters," text books.  and found a book at the boys club called The Human Body.  So I kept reading , not relay understanding and sounding out most of the words not knowing if my phonics were correct. The end result was I graduated without having to take any exams. I was chosen to take a test that if your were first or second a scholarship is the prize, 3ed place was no exams. the score on the test would go down. I was 3 place in the state of Ky. The test was on the subject of Biology

  But now that I am looking behind myself, I can see that the dumb things i was doing that got, me into this hcv mess.

here are some ways you can get infected that you might not think of.

1.  Changing my mothers bandages I did not ware any gloves, then also having bleeding gums I would later bite my nail.

2. Emptying the waste basket next to moms bed, she has bloody tissue most of the time and not washing my hands.

3 my mother was a seamstress  sometimes I would give myself a try at sewing and use moms sewing needles, I never considered this when i stuck myself, Knowing my mother did the same. I took it as "Paying my dues" learning to sew. 

You have to relay pay attention to detail, Kids don't bother with detail.  so in all , Kids my wish to be little helpers, but they are best kept away from these hidden dangers.  No matter how smart they are,