Risk of Hep c

[Mar1976]

Does there have to be visible blood to spread hep c?

[msvider]

No, there doesn't have to be visible blood.  Minute amounts not seen by the naked eye may contain bacteria and or viruses.  You can also become infected with Hep C through dental and invasive medical instruments that haven't been sterilized correctly or not at all.  I became infected with Hep C from a dentist I had dental work with in Nashville, TN.  I wish I could remember his name.  :(
I was dx'd with Hep C in 1993.  I had given blood that January and my blood showed positive for Hep C antibodies.  I went to see an internist and over a six month period, I tested positive for Hep C.  I had none of the reasons for being Hep C positive...blood transfusions, IV drug use, etc.  So, with the help of my husband and doctor, we narrowed it down and decided it had to be that one dentist from Nashville.  I had visits with this dentist around 1988 or 1989.  Thank heavens I decided to give blood.  If not, who knows what my health condition would be today.  
I decided to do interferon and Ribavirin (Rebatron Therapy) in 1998.  I found out I was in remission when I went in for my 3 month check up.  Yea!  But I had to finish treatment, which was 52 weeks.  I've had complications from the Rebatron therapy ever since.  The therapy wasn't a fun ride, but I toughed it out.  I didn't quit.  If I had not been taking Paxil to help me mentally, it would have been a much more painful year for me and my family.  

[flyinlynn]

From the CDC

Transmission / Exposure
How is Hepatitis C spread?
Hepatitis C is usually spread when blood from a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Before 1992, when widespread screening of the blood supply began in the United States, Hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.
People can become infected with the Hepatitis C virus during such activities as Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs Needle-stick injuries in health care settings Being born to a mother who has Hepatitis C

Less commonly, a person can also get Hepatitis C virus infection through
Sharing personal care items that may have come in contact with another person’s blood, such as razors or toothbrushes Having sexual contact with a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus

Here is the link

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/cfaq.htm

Good luck
Lynn