Hep C Discussion Forum

Hi Mary,

Tig has answered your question. SVR means we have no DETECTABLE virus in our peripheral blood. It doesn't mean we have NO viral particles left, or that we don't have a few rests of virus hiding out in liver or other tissues. Our body can cope with these, so they rarely cause problems. However, if our blood somehow entered another person's blood stream, they may not be able to handle the virus. So, we remain potentially infectious. It's very rare to infect another person unless you're doing something silly, like sharing needles!

Don't worry about it. Just take precautions.

The use of the word "cure" is probably not the best description for SVR. There is the belief that SVR is the body's ability to sustain the viral quanitity at an undetectable level, not gone completely. So it is possibile for a viral particle or two or three maintaining residence somewhere in your body and is kept from replicating by your own immune system. The longer you remain in an SVR state, the better your odds, but the evidence of long term proof has yet to play out. The transmission of HCV requires direct blood to blood contact, the placental barrier is difficult to cross, which likely explains the rarity of fetal exposure. Casual contact, food sharing, utensils, even sexual transmission (among monogamous couples) is quite rare. Common sense precautions, as we've discussed here many times, has proven adequate and highly successful. These are precautions for actively infected individuals by the way, but we should continue to cautious even though we have achieved SVR. We will always be positive for the HCV antibody, that does not mean you are actively infected. Some people aren't told about that following treatment and SVR, so be aware of that too. Relax and don't worry, enjoy your Hep C free future!!

Tig

Also, this study is in reference to a person with an active viral load (as opposed to someone who is UND but may have a few stray particles of the virus) who leaves the infected blood on an object and then a different person uses the object.  This is entirely distinguishable from a person who has become UND and then allegedly reinfects him/herself.  

The article also notes that the mode of entry into the body they are discussing is directly into the bloodstream via needles, catheters, etc., either in a medical setting or in street IV drug use. While household transference is mentioned there is no discussion of how this could potentially occur.

Furthermore, the study itself is suspect.  So they found some possibly active component to the virus on an object weeks later.  How do they know how much damage it could do at this point unless they inject it into someone?  How about if they smear some on a toothbrush and then make somebody brush their teeth with it?  Perhaps it has degraded and lost its ability to survive well or replicate.  Obviously they can't intentionally infect people so the study is more theory than fact.   Not very scientific if you ask me. 

I'm guessing that your immune system's memory already has all the information needed to fight your particular strain/geno of the virus because it's already been at war with it once. So in case of re-exposure, the immune system can quickly produce the specific antibodies to kill those specific invading viral cells before they have a chance to replicate = no re-infection.

As I said, I'm guessing. I'm anxious to see if mallani has any additional info on this subject.

This idea of reinfecting yourself seems more like a myth than a reality to me.  In order reinfect yourself you would still need to be infected.  If you are UND the virus is no longer detectable in your blood at a level that is even perceptible with highly sensitive RNA testing.  Additionally, the virus replicates in the liver not the blood, which must factor into this analysis.  Moreover, while the virus can survive for a while outside the body, I don't think it survives well.  

The far more rational explanation is that the person relapsed. "When you hear hoofbeats think horses not zebras."  

Perhaps Malcolm can offer a scientific explanation of all this.  I'll accept the scientific explanation over the speculation any day of the week.  :)

I asked the doc about changing toothbrushes, razors, etc.

The doc said he did not know of any cases where someone has reinfected himself.

This seems like a very odd statement to make.  Certainly people have relapsed.  Wouldn't someone who reinfects himself look exactly like a relapse?  

TomF wrote:

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Thank you for the links! 

I plan on tossing my razor, toothbrush, and clippers halfway through treatment. 

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 Do you have any kids in your house,, Kids play with things, "Like electric razors"  This virus can and does live on surfaces!   Why don't you use a wipe on these things just in case,soak tooth bursh in mouthwash after using and put in holder.  I guess what I am saying is around kids you need to clean up after yourself to protect them.

Hey Tom

This is a very important topic, but has been discussed more than once.

Here is the links, enjoy! http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t57412734/end-of-treatment-strategy-recommendations/

http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t13383619/toothbrushes/

matt

again thank you sooo very much for all the info !I will get my info from my doctor an put it on my sig line tomorrow  .thanks to everyone here for all the support!

Yes,,,, In fact this is how I suspect I  got hcv,, I was taking care of my Mother.  Who had something they didn't know what it was, something new.  "That is what i was told"  I never thought that my mother could infect me. I was 12 years old/  This virus can and does live on surfaces.  Beware!

hepcinbama wrote:

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ok I saw where as a hep c person I should not use anyone else's toothbrush ,not that I would cause I wouldn't but I get it because the blood my gums tend to bleed when I brush my teeth anyway here's the question can I re-infect myself with my blood using my toothbrush or nail clippers or any item you are not supposed to share? at what point do I stop using my old infected stuff an get new stuff? sorry over obsessing in bama!

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 If I were you I would be paying more attention to my dental health.  Your gums bleed because you don't floss.  Bleeding gums are a sign of flossing preventable gum disease (Gingivitis)which apparently can lead to heart disease.(http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/periodontal-disease-heart-health)

how stupid would I be if I re-infected myself oh my I think I would just shot myself! not really but geeesh

usae just ur own & replace it every so often. if someones gums bleed & u happened to use behind which I did with my ex hubby when I was stupid in my 20's. u can get it, if it is there to be got.. also using shaving razors.. there is NO stupid question. that is the way we all learned.. so ask away.