There is an old bromide about the poison being worse than the cure.
The kind word for poison is side effects. In the case of Hepatitis C that's been one of the major drawbacks. For all intents and purposes Hep C is blood borne though it is believed that body fluids can transmit the virus.
In the old days it was called non-A, non-B hepatitis. A lot of people exposed to possible infection, having heard about the side effects from others who had the treatment, opt out, instead taking their chances.
The real truth is there's a media-CDC-caused panic that any and everyone who gets pricked with a needle or get splashed with blood, body fluids or whatever gets tested. And don't forget those astute members of the bar and their contribution. It's called the money scent.
What we're talking about here is possible-exposure panic. A series of labs have to be drawn, suspected exposure victims counseled and, according to CDC guidelines, offered treatment.
One CDC guideline claims the virus is transmitted sexually in 1% of cases. But we'd like to view that data and see how many are drug addicts, prostitutes or others familiar with those circles.
With all due respect for those with this not-so-nice disease, it sounds like the perfect scenario for big pharmaceutical to come up with a $1,000/day drug. And why should tax-crazy politicians be upset; after all, it's a progressive rate they're charging not so different from the IRS.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/1000-a-day-miracle-drug-shocks-us-health-care-system/
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