Resolved question:
Hello Doctor!
My wife is a dialysis patient.From some years old patientshe is undergoing home dialysis.She is also infected with Hepatitis C virus.We have a new born baby at home.What precautions should we take?
Can the patient hold the new born baby(1 month).Is it contagious??
will the child get the virus if my wife touches the baby sometimes?
Please reply..
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Hepatologist
Hello.
Thanks for posting your query on DoctorSpring.com.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
Hepatitis C spreads through blood and body fluids.
There is no harm in her holding the baby and holding the baby will not transmit the infection.
Touching the baby also will not transmit the infection.
As long as the baby is not in contact with her blood and body fluids, it is unlikely the baby would acquire the infection.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Hello Doctor,
Thanks for the quick reply.Still I have some questions in mind.
I am the patients daughter.My parents stay with me.I have a son of 1 month and the main concern is for him.My husband is a doctor too,he is a radiologist.He says close contact should be avoided and the baby should be away from my mother.My mother should not hold or touch the baby anytime.So i decided to take opinion from other doctors too.So I mailed you.
Mother is on peritoneal dialysis,what do u actually mean by body fluids?saliva?sweat?dialysis output ?Is there even 1% chance of the virus getting transmitted by holding or touching?
Regards
Soumi
Hi Soumi,
The following is how Hep c is transmitted.
1. Through contaminated blood transfusion
2. By contaminated needle
3. Dialysis
4. Sexual contact
5. From mother to baby during pregnancy and child birth
Touching does not transmit the virus. Not even 1%.
I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Sir,
I understand.Thank you for the reply.But as a doctor what do u suggest?should my mother not hold my baby?Or she can touch and hold the baby....
Hi,
Your mother can touch and hold your baby.
That will not transmit the virus.
Regards.