Dear Dr. Ericka (Erika Schwartz, M.D.):

A couple of weeks ago in your National Enquirer column (I do not have the issue with me, unfortunately) you were asked about Hepatitis C and its transmission. I believe someone in a household was worried about transmission from someone in that household and just living around that person. I was upset by your response in that you made it sound like transmission was like that of passing the flu. I believe you indicated that the virus was found in saliva as well and one should be careful to wash the items, cups, etc. of an infected person. This type of a response opens the door for people to be afraid of kissing a person with this disease or even touching or hugging that person. It almost reminds me of the early days of AIDS and the fear that was instilled in people that came in casual contact with someone with this disease.

Please see below for one link about kissing and Hep C. (I could send many more.) There is no danger of passing the virus unless both people are bleeding from the mouth!!! Again, this is NOT A CASUALLY PASSED disease. And, you don't get it from drinking out of someone's glass or eating off of their plate.

http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/hcv/faqvol1.htm

And, sexual transmission is extremely rare between monogomas couples (see below). It is, however, spread by blood to blood transmission and precautions should be taken where blood might be involved. You should have mentioned this and explained in detail.

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=629

While, I understand there are always rare circumstances and medical science has documented that, your response made it sound like this was the norm. You should correct this because these kinds of things make it harder for people with this disease. I have access to the best physicians in the world through my work. I consider myself credible and informed. I found your response to be shocking and backward in thought.

I am withholding my name for privacy issues.