Do you get regular manicures or pedicures?

[Cobalt Violet]

You should get tested then.

Potential Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Transmission
http://www.nationalhepatitiscinstitute.org/Data/Transmission/RisksFactors.htm


Received a blood transfusion (USA 2001)

Received bone marrow or organ transplant, (to include cadaver material

Persons with Hemophilia or anyone treated for clotting problems with a blood product (USA 2001)

Women who received Rhogam for Rh negative type blood, giving birth, miscarried or aborted positive blood type pregnancies (USA 2001)

Children born to HCV-positive women

Notified you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for HCV

All Military Veterans, especially those that served during the Korea, Vietnam and post Vietnam era

Received injections with a reusable medical device- includes needles, vials, and Jet gun injectors. Examples: In/out patient medical or dental injections, recreational drug use, pain management, or military service (USA 2001)

All Kidney and Hemodialysis patients

Invasive surgeries performed by Hepatitis C positive surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentist and assisting staff having direct blood contact with patient

Had an internal medical scope procedure, Colonoscopy, Bronchoscope, Endoscope, Prostate scope etc.

Participating in contact sports, or employed as healthcare workers, corrections officers, public safety personnel, and first responders exposed to blood.

Signs or symptoms of liver disease (e.g. abnormal liver enzymes tests)

Ever had a sexually transmitted disease or experienced blood contact during sexual relations with a Hepatitis C positive patient

Ever used recreational drugs and shared snorting or equipment preparing for injection.

Received acupuncture, tattoos, body piercing, or professional nail grooming (USA 2001) on a regular basis. This includes sharing manicure items of a family member or friend that is a Hepatitis C positive patient.

Shared toothbrushes and experienced bleeding gum disease.

Shared razors belonging to a Hepatitis C positive patient.

Victims of violent crime, or a violent confrontation, including domestic violence

Spent time to federal or state institutions- prisons, jails, juvenile detentions centers and mental health facilities and group homes.

[caligirl]

1. oncde new an urgent care doc who kept her own equipment, autoclaved them

herself. she never used tools from the shop she used. this is why.

[Cobalt Violet]

4. She's very smart to do that.

I don't think many people know that there is a risk. I wouldn't trust nail salons to sterilize everything everytime.

[caligirl]

8. afterall, how many manicurists have actually seen bacteria in a micrscope

and understand they do exist.

[Cobalt Violet]

12. Or that Hepatitis C Survives Treatment with Commercial Sterilants and Disinfectants

Although as of 2004 the salon industry now has a product. SaniGuard PRO. But are the using it? An are they using it right?

[blogslut]

14. Actually,

Manicurists are taught quite a bit about sterilization, bacteria and pathologies. Mind you, my license was in cosmetology, of which manicuring was a portion of 1500 hours/nine months of training. We were taught cell development and studied the layers of the skin, the skeletal system and muscle structure. We were instructed in chemistry and were even taught electrical currents.

A manicurist needs at least 600 hours of education before they can take a practical/written exam to get a license.

[caligirl]

15. so its a problem of non compliance with procedures, like the docs who

don't wash hands between patients or cleanse their stethoscopes between them either. This was a pet pieve of mine when I was still practicing nursing.

[blogslut]

16. Yes

Exactly. Manicurists get sloppy and don't follow sanitation proper procedure.

Also, don't let the manicurist cut your cuticles. Never, ever.

[caligirl]

17. i am one of those who never goes to one. I've been twice in my whole life.(49)

[blogslut]

18. It's a luxury

Like so many things.

There are professions where manicured nails are important for function as well as for aesthetics. I also found that regular manicures were therapeutic for persons with arthritis and joint pain. You get a nice warm soak and a massage with a proper manicure/pedicure. :)

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. nope, never...

I had hoped to pamper my feet that way someday, when I get rich... but not now!

[Cobalt Violet]

7. There is still massage.

That's pampering too.

[blogslut]

3. Here's my tip

When having a manicure or pedicure, never, never let the manicurist cut your cuticles. Never, ever.

[Cobalt Violet]

5. Excellent tip.

That could save lives.

[KitchenWitch]

6. Damn

Rhogam?

I guess I better go get checked.

[Cobalt Violet]

9. Testing is a good idea for everyone.

It seems that our CDC isn't handling this epidemic that well. They really want everyone to believe it's just a junkie's disease.

[KitchenWitch]

10. Just like back in the 80s AIDS was only a gay disease

:eyes:

Fuckers.

[ChrisCat]

24. Me too, I've had at least 6 shots of Rhogam.

Dernit.

[Cobalt Violet]

28. It's just a low risk if it was a while ago.

Yet there is some risk low or not.


http://www.nationalhepatitiscinstitute.org/Data/Transmission/HepUpdateISG.htm

<snip>

Immunoglobulins have been used in medicine for years to help prevent or reduce the risk of infections (for example serum immune globulin, hepatitis B immune globulin, varicella zoster immune globulin, etc.). In addition, anti-D immune globulin (Rhogam) has nearly eliminated Rh sensitization in the United States. The safety of these products over the years has been excellent despite the fact that these immune globulin products come from pooled plasma where some donors probably carry transmissible infections. In the mid 1990’s, there were reports of Hepatitis C transmission following the administration of some brands of serum immune globulin. The frequency of this occurrence is still low, however, this underscores the importance of having a clear indication for the use of these products.

Immune globulin production starts with a fractionation procedure that effectively removes most if not all potentially infectious agents. However, due to these reported HCV transmissions, most products (especially those used in the United States) add other purification steps such as a solvent-detergent treatment or a low pH treatment and pepsin. Therefore, Hepatitis C transmission with these products will hopefully be non-existent in the future.
<snip>

[newyawker99]

33. Hi ChrisCat!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[HeeBGBz]

30. Yeah, I think I have six or seven on that list

Plus an ex-husband who has Hep C.

[undergroundpanther]

11. There is a vaccination...almost ready

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=edell&id=4278043

[Cobalt Violet]

13. It's needed fast.

I hope that it will prevent the disease from getting worse in those that already have it.

[Nite Owl]

19. My son received a transfusion

in 1986 and was just diagnosed with hep C in June. He'll be starting the treatment as soon as the insurance company clears it. The diagnosis was a shock, he was going for the blood work for surgery for a cyst and the liver tests weren't right, that's the only way we would have known.

[Cobalt Violet]

21. I'm sorry about your son.

I hope that he can clear the virus and I hope he doesn't have trouble with his insurance company. Many people don't know that they have it. The government isn't doing a very good job of getting the word out about who is at risk. Your son is in a high risk group and probably didn't even know it. That unacceptable. Veterans are also at high risk and the Va and CDC seem to not want them to know it. It's politics not science that concerns them.

I'm hoping to be able to get treatment someday too. I have a lot of symptoms. I very concern that I may have developed cirrhosis. I don't know how I will support myself while I undergo treatment because the side effects are terrible. That has stopped me from ever getting treatment.

[Nite Owl]

32. His liver biopsy showed

no damage, only a slight inflammation. He's 21, still in college, so this is the time for him to get the treatment. I've heard a lot of stories about how horrible the treatment is to go through but my son is determined to not let it slow him down very much so he has a good attitude. I just wish they would decide already so he can get on with his life and have this behind him. He called the doctor again and they said that the insurance company wasn't returning their calls. I really want him to get this now since he is still living at home and has the time now, in a few years how will he be able to take time off from a job and maybe have a family too. That's the position you are in! We received a folder from the pharma and there was a page that said to contact them if you need the treatment and did not have insurance but how do you pay the bills if you cannot work? Somehow I can't see this situation happening in Europe or Canada just here. So much for 'right to life'. I hope somehow you will be able to get the treatment you need. You are in my thoughts.

[flyarm]

20. i get manicures and pedicures regularly..but i carry my own tools

every time..i have my own polish, top coat , snips..emery boards..files..cuticle pushers..cuticle cream..and i keep them in a box i carry with me..
i use my own toe separaters..and all my own products..nail polish removers..

and i sterilize them myself..

and others who have seen me carry in my own stuff ..have made comments that its a good idea..and many have followed suit..

and i go to a really clean place..it is paramount to me

fly

[Cobalt Violet]

22. That is a good idea.

Why take chances.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

23. What's the incubation period?

I've received shots from re-used syringes (just the needle was changed), that used to be normal. Also received shots from the "jet guns".

But that was a long time ago.

It's hard to believe that Korean and Vietnam era veterans are still at risk after all this time.

Also, if manicures are dangerous, what about haircuts? They can also occasionally cut through the skin.

[Cobalt Violet]

25. I don't think it's long but the disease is asymptomatic in most people.

You may want to check this site out.
http://www.hcvets.com/index.html


And this maybe helpful about jetguns:
http://www.hcvets.com/data/transmission_methods/plan_backfires.htm

Since it's a press release I believe I can post the whole thing.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: HCVets Press Office, 540-248-7324
Staff
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 28, 2005
Plan Backfires- VBA Fast Letter Boost Claims

BUSH ADMINISTRATION FIGHTS AGAINST SERVICE CONNECTED DISABILITY FOR VETS WITH HEPATITIS C


Top Guns with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are going on the offensive to prevent veterans from getting service connected disability for HEPATITIS C transmitted by airgun shots before, during, and after the Vietnam War.



Three decades after the end of the war, hundreds of thousands of brave men and women who served their country are dying, and the Bush Administration is fighting their attempts to get pensions and adequate VA medical treatment. An estimated 95% of all claims are denied, despite reliable scientific evidence.



In April 2002, a delegation of members representing the HEPATITIS C Movement for Awareness (HMA) and HCVets.com, a HEPATITIS C military claims support organization for families, went to Washington DC on a mission to educate representative concerning HEPATITIS C related issues.



The delegation had appointments with Congressional and Veterans Affairs representatives. One of these meetings was with Lawrence Deyton MSPH, MD Chief Consultant, Public Health Strategic Health Care Group, for the VA.. Members met specifically with Dr. Deyton to expressed concern regarding transmission methods for the HEPATITIS C virus listed by the VA, and the need to reform qualifications for testing Veterans. Those attending the VA will not get tested because they did not use drugs or become an alcoholic, risk factors used to qualify patients for testing. Members requested Dr. Deyton include reused needles, vials, syringes and airguns in this determination to test Veterans.



Dr. Deyton acknowledged these risks, stating "his hands were tied". He stated, "Anyone receiving airgun injections, should get tested for HEPATITIS C." Deyton did not just say "Veterans", says Ed Wendt, Vietnam era Veteran, transplant survivor and HMA's Government Relations Director. Quoting members who attended the meeting, Deyton implied "everyone" receiving shots administered by the now defunct style airguns, should be tested.



HMA published Dr. Deyton's quote in an upcoming newsletter which resulted in a Veteran service connected for HEPATITIS C at the regional VA level. The decision was based on that quote, plus other evidence submitted that demonstrated the products used to sanitize & disinfect medical and dental equipment, did not kill the HEPATITIS C virus.



In order to counteract the decision and avoid accountability for the 2 plus million service related infections, the National VA office, in charge of the regional office that approved the claim, issued a "Fast Track" letter, a sort of report, to all regional offices, calling Dr. Deyton's quote, a misquote. But, Wendt, says, "we did not misquote Dr. Deyton as the allegations suggest in the VA Fast letter." "Members were very clear on what they heard." Further quotes were made by Dr. Deyton to the Kansas City Star's investigative report Mike McGraw. Dr. Deyton is quoted as saying, "it's possible the devices could transmit HEPATITIS C: Deyton continues, "I am sure that, with the right degree of misuse, the devices could become contaminated."



In the Fast Track letter, Carolyn F. Hunt, Acting Director, for Compensation and Pension Service states: "..needles (and other objects that puncture the skin) are contaminated with HCV infected blood and are then used by others, HCV can be transmitted. HCV can potentially be transmitted with reuse of needles for tattoos, body piercing, and acupuncture.", ".......infections may have come from blood-contaminated cuts or wounds, contaminated medical equipment or multi-dose vials of medications."



Vaccinations were routinely given with multi-dose vials and reused needles. Injection give by the airguns included HEPATITIS B vaccine; responsible for the outbreak of AIDS in New York City, in which an astounding 64% of the men who got the vaccine developed AIDS and other blood-borne viruses. Access is not available for testing stored patients blood samples for HEPATITIS C infection rate The U.S. Department of Justice is keeping this information "classified" and "unavailable" for public research and investigation..


Ms. Hunt also states, "Blood-contaminated cuts or wounds can spread HEPATITIS C". says, "This statement speaks volumes", says Harry Hooks, Vietnam combat Veteran and manager of HCVets.com. "Airplane and auto mechanics, or others at risk for cuts, that shared rags to wipe the wound, could be at risk. HEPATITIS C lives for weeks after the blood has dried. It can be reconstituted and transmit to others."



In the letter, Ms. Hunt continues to say "It is essential that the report upon which the determination of service connection is made includes a full discussion of all modes of transmission, and a rationale as to why the examiner believes the airgun was the source of the veteran’s HEPATITIS C."


But Hooks says, "Veteran's submitted convincing scientific studies, military reports and physicians letters in support with their claims, showing the only risk for their HEPATITIS C infection was the service." Evidence submitted, such as the "Vaccines in the Military:" A Department of Defense-Wide Review of Vaccine Policy and practice; an Infectious Diseases Control Subcommittee of the Armed forces Epidemiological Board review presented in August 1999. Page 61 discusses the Paris Island Air Force inspection in which inspectors indirectly observing high volume recruit immunization using jet injectors. It was noted "jet injector nozzles were frequently contaminated with blood, yet sterilization practices were frequently inadequate or not followed." The complete report can be viewed here



Military Veterans also submitted government testimony in support of their claims. Such as the statement by Robert Harrington, owner of the company PED-O-JET, maker of the military airguns used on the troops. During a meeting with the FDA, VA and others, he states "if the gun was not wiped off, it could contaminated 31 out of 100 patients."

Despite their efforts, the claims are denied.



"All people that served in the military know the airguns were not wiped off for military application", says Hooks.



"The VA would prefer if veterans evidence was not included", Hooks continues, "according to correspondence with a Pittsburgh VA, the VA has a staff of medical personnel to review information and provide judgment based on their training and research. The problem is, say's Hooks, "to the best of my knowledge, no one's training these adjustors about HEPATITIS C transmission. I think the denial rate for VA claims proves that."



"One thing is very clear", says Tricia Lupole, National Director for HMA, "It's the VA lacking rationale, the VA denied service connection to one Veteran shot in the chest in Vietnam in 1968 and transfused. He died from HCV liver cancer in 2003. Another patient was hospitalized with HEPATITIS during military service and the VA claims his HEPATITIS C is not service connected. Yet another, denied because he fell within the group that, according to the VA, has "no clue" how the virus was transmitted; virtually ignoring every statement Ms. Hunt made.



A claim recently denied, would not acknowledge the fact the Veteran found a buddy stationed with him during most of his service. The buddy also has the same strain of HEPATITIS C. The virus has many different types of strains, called genotypes. There are 6 different genotypes and over 50 subtypes within those strains. The state and federal court system use a test to determine "same source" infection when exposure to the virus occurs though hospital neglect, meaning that science can tell if people were infected by the same source. But, the VA will not run this test or accept any evidence to support it. We're not going to let the VA get away with this."



Lupole says, "Despite the attempts to portray HCVets.com an unreliable source, the letter works to the Veterans advantage because it acknowledges possible ways for transmitting the virus previously denied by the VA claims adjusters. Claims that are pending or previously denied, should consider this as critical evidence to include.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

26. Does the Red Cross screen or test for Hepatitis C?

Thanks for the article. I'll have to ask my Doc to test for it.

What about the blood supply? If people are infected via transfusions or clotting factors, is there no test for donated blood?

[Cobalt Violet]

29. Yes, the Red Cross test.

If you've donated your blood was most likely tested. I think the blood supply is safe now. But many people have contacted it this way and some still don't know it.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

31. Thanks for all the info

Yeah, the Red Cross has gotten about 10 gallons over the years, last time was early this month. I'll still bring it up with my Doc, but if Red Cross had come up positive, I'd guess they'd let me know and put me on their "s*** list".

[lonestarnot]

27. eeek! Hell no! Do my own.

Which means they never get done. Heh.