Hep C Discussion Forum

Ok, I see what you mean, and that`s an interesting question.   Well, I would imagine the risk of catching Hep C from swallowing infected blood would be extremely low.  I haven`t seen it mentioned anywhere as a way of becoming infected, although I can`t say  for certain that it`s not possible.

I suppose a similar scenario would be if someone with Hep C was preparing food and cut themselves with a knife. There would definitely be a risk of infection if someone else were to cut themselves with the same knife and some infected blood entered their bloodstream via the cut, but if any blood got into the food would it be possible for someone eating it to then become infected?  It doesn`t seem at all likely, in my opinion, that the virus could survive the digestive process and enter the blood stream intact.

Sorry I can`t be more help!  Maybe someone else will be able to add something.

~ Jill xx

Hi! Your English is just fine! 

Well, the virus has to be transmitted directly from one person`s blood to another person`s blood, so theoretically if the girl had mouth sores or bleeding gums, for example, it would be possible for her to be infected from biting your friend`s lips if she drew blood, although I would think the risk would be very low.

Yes, you`re right, the risk of transmission with `calm` sex, (i.e. normal monogamous heterosexual sex) is extremely low compared to `rough` sex which could involve tearing of the anal or vaginal membranes, which is more likely to carry the risk of blood to blood contact.

You didn`t say whether your friend had told the girl that he had Hep C, but if he wants to make sure whether she has been infected or not, there is a simple blood test she could have which can detect HCV antibodies. Although one thing to bear in mind is that it usually takes the immune system 6 -12 weeks, and in some cases longer than that, to develop enough antibodies to be detected by an antibody test.

Hope that helps!

~ Jill xx