My bf has HVC I am scared

[lolas]

I have the most wonderful bf and we have even discussed living together but I have done so much research online and I'm really worried about the chances.

[DougV]

it can't be said it is impossible for you to get infected, but it's not that terribly likely.  I've had hep most likely for 35 years or so, been married 21, have an 18 year old son (which should be a hint as to condom use) and my wife does not have hep.  As I didn't know we made no attempts to protect her at all.  Bottom line is that transmission of HCV between couples barring exchanging needles is not very likely and is in fact pretty danged rare.  There are thousands of couples that can attest to this.

As to him being cured becuase he finished treatment, maybe, maybe not.  Has he had his 12 week post tx labs done?

I finished treatment but three month after treatment I was tested again and the virus is active again.  Before he even dreams he's cured he better have labwork down and be sure of it. 

Doug

[Ella]

Hi lolas,

I can really understand your concern, and if I were you I'd go with your boyfriend to his doctor and discuss the whole thing with him/her.  Transmission of HCV between partners is highly unlikely (unless they are sharing needles of course).  I've been married 25 years (I think - could be longer), and I must have had this virus for longer than that, and my husband is negative.  That being said, I don't know about oral herpes and how much of a risk that is. Of course, herpes of any type is another thing you don't particularly want to catch either, so maybe the doc can give your boyfriend some guidelines about safety in this direction also. 

You sound very frightened, and probably won't relax until your mind has been put to rest on this issue.  Personally, I think it's extremely unlikely you would have contracted HCV,  but go to the doc and sort things out.  If your boyfriend is as nice as you say it would be a big pity to let this come between you.

Feel free to air your concerns here - everyone is here to help.

[willy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.  Here's my quick take on it.  IF your boyfriend is clear of the virus it is impossible for him to infect you.  IN that we is not really officially "clear" as in SVR (sustained viral response) his clear rating may not be durable and sustained.  After he achieves SVR after his 6 months following treatment only a few percent end up relapsing.  In a nutshell....if he has no virus in his blood....he cannot transmit.  Since he has not tested and is still in a more transitory period where some people "relapse" I would think that more precautions should be taken.  I'm validating your concerns there is a statistical greater likelihood...... but that is in the absence of him having been tested today; he could still be totally clear and therefore totally unable to transmit.

The question still remains about transmission during sex if he were positive (although he very well may be clear of the virus).  As others have stated the risk is low but it is possible.  This thread is worth a read;

http://www.hcvanonymous.com/SMF/index.php/topic,1558.0.html

The stats and theory do back up that the presence of herpes increases the chances of transmission.  It would be considered a factor.  I would not rush out and get a test.   Personally, I'd just be a bit more careful.  About the time that you'd consider getting a antibody test he will be going in for his PCR test to see if he is still clear (and SVR).  If he is clear at that time it would seem that there would be no reason to test.  If however, you were seeing the boyfriend before when he was positive for HCV it still might not be a bad idea for you to get a test.  Your piece of mind is worth something.  I also think you are justified to preserve that whether or not he is positive or negative.  You have to find your own comfort level.  You cannot do that without educating yourself first.  I think you'll find a lot of information on line just googling the subject.  You can also spring for a PCR instead of waiting for the 6 month mark.  It may be worth the money.

I hope the answer and the link help you both.

best,
Willy

[Jazzdenova]

Don't run, educate yourself.
I think he can't call himself cured until at least 6 months after treatment and a SVR test.
HCV transmission thru sex is extremely rare, my wife doesn't have it and I don't use condoms. And I am used to her cooties by now.
I am not into kissing anybody with a bleeding mouth, even if they were as healthy as you.
Don't use his toothbrush or razor, buy your own.
For your own safety I think you should be the one doing all the bathroom and shower cleaning. Make sure you get behind the toilet as men are notorious bad aims. (You owe me for this bigtime, BF)
If you love him, you love in sickness and health, otherwise he deserves better.

[lolas]

I want to thank everybody for the answers.
Thanks for your support!

[linda]

  hey lolas!!!  welcome to the site.  we can all understand your fears and concerns and i think you've been given the best advice already. i agree with ella.  go to the doctor with him and share your concerns together. i have had hep 30+ years and my husband is ok...we even shared razors before i was diagnosed. please keep us posted and i hope you won't let this come between you and your bf.  ~~linda~~ 

[Hank's mom]

There's not a person here that doesn't understand. It is scary and with your talking about moving in together there are bunches of new questions and some new realities that are best treated head on. Get some input from him about talking to his doctor alone and together so you are educated as is he and so when you have worries you can go to him with your fears. Many of us have lived with hcv for decades, gotten married and had kids. As a mom I have soothed cuts, bloody noses, bloody noses, you name it. My children aged 20, 19 and 17 have all been tested and are clear. My grown step kids have, who I have also tended, are healthy and tested as well. My husband is clear and we have lived full lives together for 21 years. Prior to my knowledge that this was risky behavior, we used tweezers, nail clippers, I even used to give him a shave every Sunday, sheesh - corny huh!, had sex when I had my period and some ambitous sex with some resultant chafing, he doesn't have hep. When I met him he had and still has herpes, neither the kids nor I have gotten that either.
In a nutshell the more you know about do's and don't the richer your life will be together. Ah, to fall in love again. Its a wonderful time, enjoy it.
momxfive

[lolas]

I would have never imagined the amount of support I would find on this site and I greatly aprecciate it. I want to be with him, he makes me happy I make him happy and we've known each other for many years .Life has given many turns but this year might be the time to finally enjoy our life together.
I wish you  long life love and happiness. I will keep you all posted
Love,
Lolas

[jody13]

Lola. My wive and I have been married for almost 56 years and she shows no sign of Hep C. Sometimes fear itself is worse than the problem. . When I first found out about my problem , it makes you feel unclean. . you don't even want to have people over for cards. But there again it is just the fear factor. Just because we have C doesn't kick us out of the human race. So just love him for what and who he is not what he has. Sites like this one help a lot. Joe

[lolas]

Joe thanks for your kind words, I think I was being really paranoid and fear is bad, lack of knowledge is bad. I had been doing online research for such a long time but instead of helping it was confusing me even more.To find this site where real people , not statistics and cold facts , people with great hearts, it has been a blessing. Now I have replaced fear with communication , I have discussed my feelings openly with my sweety and we agreed that we will arrive to a happy medium, he will be very careful and I will relax.

[jody13]

Lolas, My wife has taken for years a simple herb called Liver Esentials. . Milk thistle would probabley give you protection also',. Joe

[memarcie]

lolas - It is great that you are getting information about Hep C vs running scared.  Like all the others have said, it is highly unlikely to catch from a partner.  My hubby doesn't have it.   

Milk thistle can help your liver health, but it will not protect you from catching Hep C.  Normal precautions which you are used to dealing with because of Herpes should be taken. He is clear now, so as long as he maintains SVR you will not have to worry about catching Hep.


Good luck,
Marcie

[willy]

Thanks Marcie.  That advice is "spot on".  To date there is nothing that can prevent infection.  No vaccination exists and even people who have had HCV and have cleared can be reinfected again even though they have antibodies.

It may be good advice to all to simply eat well, rest drink plenty of water and live a lifestyle that promotes good health and a strong immune response.  I often read that (the numbers vary) 15-20% of those that have contact with HCV end up clearing and developing antibodies.  We also occasionally here about people who were chronically infected and were able to clear.  It's good advice for people recovering from TX and also good advice for people with possible increased risk to exposure.

Good to hear things are going well and I wish you both good luck and love.

Willy

[robin]

Somewhat off topic but both of you need to get the Hep A-B series. Keep your spirits high...robin