This is an extremely good point. My old understanding was that it could like for 4 days outside the body, however it has been shown the virus can remain viable for 6 weeks

http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/11/22/infdis.jit648.abstract

There is further discussion about this here:

https://blog.aids.gov/2014/01/scientists-discover-hepatitis-c-virus-can-remain-infectious-outside-of-the-body-for-up-to-6-weeks.html

I have personally seen the parents of an HCV son acquire acute Hep C due to razor sharing so there is no doubt the virus can survive and infect from this source.

Viral loads fall rapidly on treatment so after a couple of weeks there will be very little (or no) virus in your blood to coat either a razor of a toothbrush, so if you are contemplating frequent replacement of razors and toothbrushes there would be more benefit in doing this daily at the beginning of treatment than at the end.

Here is what the CDC has to say about disinfection:

http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/Disinfection_Sterilization/3_2contaminatedDevices.html

So soaking razors and toothbrushes in a 1:10 dilution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water) would be an acceptable alternative to replacement.

Hello again

I have received my medicine today. 400mg Sofosbuvir and 90mg Ledipasvir (separate bottles). I am arranging next week to take a weeks’ leave from work and will start my medicine today week. I am very nervous about side effects but I know I need to take the medicine to get rid of this awful virus. Reading your posts has certainly helped.

Wish me luck!

Lynne

Hello again I made an appointment with a Specialist here in Bendigo just to arrange for Fibroscan etc. I am Genotype 1b with 3.13 million viral load. The Doctor at the Royal Melbourne was happy with my Fibroscan and also with the ultrasound….it appears that at present I have a fatty liver (which many people have anyway) but otherwise no obvious hardening/cirrhosis etc. I am aware just how “lucky” I was to be diagnosed through a bloody test which showed up liver function wasn’t so good. I am not seeing the Specialist here again because he tried to more or less say that because my first husband was an IV drug user that is where I caught the Hep C (even though I told him I didn’t use drugs and never had). Anyway I have a supportive GP and will be starting the med soon I hope (still waiting for delivery). I will contact the Hep C Clinic here in Bendigo to let the Hep C nurse know what I am doing. It will be interesting to see what sort of reaction I get.

Will post again once the meds arrive.

Lynne

http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/Handbook10-home~handbook10part4~handbook10-4-5#4-5-6

Booster doses

Booster doses of hepatitis B vaccine (after completion of a primary course by using recommended schedule) are not recommended for immunocompetent persons. This applies to children and adults, including healthcare workers and dentists. This is because there is good evidence that a completed primary course of hepatitis B vaccination provides long-lasting protection. Even though vaccine-induced antibody levels may decline with time and may become undetectable, immune memory persists and is thought to result in a protective immune response on re-exposure. However, booster doses are recommended for persons who are immunocompromised, in particular those with either HIV infection or renal failure. The time for boosting in such persons should be decided by regular monitoring of anti-HBs levels at 6- to 12-monthly intervals.

Hello Vicki I live in Bendigo Victoria and am facing an 18 month wait at the Base Hospital before I even get to the Liver Clinic. I have purchased generic drugs from China through the Buyers Club and expect delivery within the next two weeks. I am very nervous but also excited to take the meds and to see the end of this virus. I was diagnosed in February this year…. no idea where, when or how I contracted it. I have struggled every day with the fear of living with this virus but acknowledge that there are many many people a lot worse off than me. My GP is supportive of me taking the generic meds.

I will post on here once I receive the meds and start my journey.

All the best