Almost 4 million Americans have been infected with the Hepatitis C virus. I have been aware of a case that has literally turned the Adult industry on its head lately. I am bringing this case to light because, not only do I think this is an important issue, it is how it came about that is even more important.
I was approached by a client who, like most new people in the Adult industry, was tested and vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, and tested for Hepatitis C by her second month in the biz. She explained to me that she was a former IV drug user, and that she have been clean for more than two years. She also knew she had been at risk for HIV and Hepatitis C some time ago.
As it turned out, she had been exposed to Hepatitis C and tested positive for the antibody. This did not mean that she was a carrier of Hepatitis C, or that she will transmit Hepatitis C sexually. However, the childish behavior and gossip mongering in the porn business turned this person into Typhoid Mary in about two days. It ruined her career, and turned it into a panic situation just short of HIV transmission.
I, as the founder of AIM and being the clearing-house for thousands of bills of health each year, have grown tired of this witch-hunt behavior. Why? Because only a handful of you use condoms, and you are at risk each month for each and every sexually transmitted disease! This includes diseases that are much more transmittable sexually than Hepatitis C, including herpes, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV (warts), mulloscum montgium and trichamonis, to name a few.
Now then, let’s get one thing clear: If you think you are at risk for Hepatitis C — and I’ll let you know if you are in the next few paragraphs — go to aim-med.org and look at the Hepatitis chart. There you will see types A thru E; or go to cdc.gov/hepatits; or call 1-8884HEPCDC. Then, come in and get yourself screened and tested before jumping to conclusions about who, what and where you think you may have been exposed.
Here is where you’ll find accurate info on the subject:
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of people who have this disease. The infection is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.
How serious is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is serious for some people, but not for others. Most people who get Hepatitis C carries the virus for the rest of their lives. Most of these people incur some liver damage, but many do not feel sick at all. Some people with liver damage due to Hepatitis C may develop cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver and liver failure, which can take many years to develop.
How can I protect myself from getting Hepatitis C, as well as other diseases spread by contact with human blood?
Don’t ever shoot drugs. If you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program. If you can’t stop, never reuse or share syringes, water or drug works, and get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B.
Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal care articles; they might have blood on them.
If you are a healthcare worker, always follow routine barrier protection precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps. Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
Consider the health risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing. You can get infected if the tools that are used have someone else’s blood on them, or if the artist or piercer doesn’t follow good health practices, such as washing hands and using disposable gloves.
HCV can be spread by sex, but this does not occur very often. If you are having sex, but not with one steady partner:
Use latex condoms. The efficacy of latex condoms in preventing infections with Hepatitis C is unknown, but their proper use may reduce transmission. Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.
The surest way to prevent the spread of any disease by sex is not to have sex at all.
Hepatitis C is not spread by breast-feeding, hugging, sneezing, coughing, food or water, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, or casual contact.
Many people who are at risk for Hepatitis C are also at risk for Hepatitis A and B. Check with your doctor to see if you should get vaccinated.
Could I already have Hepatitis C?
Ask your doctor for a blood test for Hepatitis C if you ever injected street drugs, even if you experimented a few times many years ago;
if you were treated for clotting problem with a blood product made before 1987; if you received a blood transfusion or organ transplant (e.g., kidney, liver, heart) before July 1992, or if you were notified that you received blood that possibly contained HCV; or if you were ever on kidney dialysis.
Why should I be tested for Hepatitis C?
Early diagnosis is important so you can be checked for liver disease, and get treatment, if indicated. Drugs are licensed for the treatment of persons with long-term Hepatitis C. Learn how you can protect your liver from further harm, and learn how you can prevent spreading Hepatitis C to others.
Obviously, this is the most conservative view, based on information from the Centers for Disease Control. I recommend that you govern yourselves accordingly.
Remember, AIM is here for you. We can provide information and testing, and suggest ways to keep your boundaries healthy for however long a stay in the Adult entertainment industry you are planning.
Above all, do what is right for you, rather than pointing a finger at someone else. Be friend and a responsible sex worker, and we will all have a much more enjoyable time in the biz!!
Stay safe and sexy,
Doctor Sharon Mitchell, Ph.D, Executive Director, AIM Healthcare Foundation
