Low Risk Behaviors - 1
People who have not participated in high-risk behaviors but test positive for HCV have contracted the disease by a method called spontaneous infection. The Hepatitis Society of Canada states that 40% of infected people are unaware how they contracted HCV. The Washington Academy of General Dentistry states more than 50% of infected patients are unaware how they contracted HCV.
This high ratio is not surprising since the Health Canada says the virus can live several weeks in dried blood. It is important to eliminate high risk behaviors and reduce low risk behaviors in an attempt to remain free of the HCV dragon.
Personal Grooming Items
The Hepatitis C Society of Canada states the disease can spread by sharing personal hygiene products (razors, nail clippers, scissors, tooth brushes and water pics) with an infected partner.
Beauty Industry including Electrolysis
Research by the Canadian HepCBC says transmission through the beauty industry is a factor. You can be infected if nicked by a razor or scissors at the beauty parlor or barber shop since Barbersol does not kill the virus. Emory University School of Medicine recommends you patronize only beauty parlors or barber shops that:
- use an autoclave
- boil all utensils for a full twenty minutes between customers
- soak all utensils in 10% chlorine solution for at least ten minutes
- allow customers to bring their own rollers, brush and comb
- use disposable razors instead of a communal straight edge
- If you get artificial fingernails, make sure the grinder is changed before you put your hands on the table.
Professional Cleaning
Professional carpet cleaning, restoration, janitorial, and floor-maintenance personnel may be required to clean a blood spill in an apartment, office or hospital. The USA has set guidelines for safety from bloodborne pathogens in these situations and non-compliance can result in $7,000 to $70,000 fines. The risk for contacting contaminated blood would also exist for employees in a laundry or dry cleaning establishment.
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