[QUOTE=KnoxTNman; 1528628]Doc. While I understand and agree with your logic that an ex doesn't have much credibility, I do not agree that we should ignore the potential scare.
This applies to everyone else as well. Before folks jump on me, I am in no way confirming that Holly might be infected but do not want members to ignore it blindly. If true, it can be potentially very risky. Every provider is supposed to get tested every so often, I would ask folks to make sure she shows atleast one person she trusts her last medical report. That person can then report it back here.
But do not blindly ignore these kind of issues, it is very unwise.[/QUOTE]OK I may not be a senior member but I have been on the forum for many years. Most of my posts have been regarding AMPs. I usually don't get involved in the conversations that happen on this forum but I feel the need to give some accurate info on this situation. First of all let me say I have not visited Holly nor do I know her. I have zero knowledge of her particular situation. That said, I was married to a woman with Hep C for many years. We did not discover her infection until we had been married for sometime. She was infected via a blood transfusion many years prior. They didn't start testing the blood supply until HIV became so prevalent.
Hep C is very serious and can develop into life threatening complications. Usually liver failure (see David Crosby and his need for a transplant). However it is next to impossible to get HEP C through normal heterosexual activity, especially protected sex. The only way to contract it is by getting infected blood in your bloodstream. Which is why it is common in the health worker field. They can accidentally get stuck by a dirty needle. My ex and I were together for many years after discovering her infection and were sexually active. Since we were monogamous we did not use protection and I am fine and HEP C clear. The most common way people get it today is by sharing needles or tainted blood.
My biggest concern with Holly having it, if she in fact does, would be what activities is she involved in that would lead to infection. I am much more concerned about catching any number of other things from a provider than I would be catching HEP C.
Luckily there is treatment, interferon, which can cure many strains of HEP C. It took me years to convince my ex to do it as it can take a year to treat and the treatment is very uncomfortable. It's like having the flu the entire time you are on the meds. I am happy to say she is now HEP C clear and has been for 6 years.
So before treating this young lady like a leper, even if she has this, do some research and get informed. Like I said, be more concerned with where and how she got it, if she has it, rather than catching it from her. Use protection and be careful if you have open cuts or sores yourself and you will be fine.
Hope this info helps. Be careful and stay safe.