Hepatitis C can be transmitted when blood that carries the virus comes into contact with the blood of someone who does not have the virus. This can occur if people share needles or personal care items such as razors.
The hepatitis C virus is bloodborne, which means it can be transmitted only through contact with blood that carries the virus. It’s important to identify the ways you can come into contact with hepatitis C. This knowledge can help you practice healthy habits to avoid contracting the virus.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about hepatitis C transmission to help you protect yourself and others.
You can contract hepatitis C if your blood is exposed to the blood of someone who has the virus. This contact allows the virus to enter your bloodstream.
Once it’s in your body, the virus will target your liver and may cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, lack of appetite, and stomach pain. However, you may not notice symptoms right away. Hepatitis C is diagnosed with a blood test and can be treated.
Hepatitis C can be transmitted through:
- shared needles
- unsterilized piercing or tattooing equipment
- childbirth, if the birthing parent has hepatitis C
- sexual contact involving an exchange of blood
- shared personal items such as razors or toothbrushes
- medical procedures involving blood transfusions that took place before 1992
- needle-stick injuries in a healthcare setting
In these instances, traces of blood carrying the hepatitis C virus can enter the bloodstream.
Medical establishments in the United States take extra precautions to reduce the chances of hepatitis C transmission. These precautions include testing blood before using it for transfusions and sterilizing all reusable medical supplies.
You can take precautions to prevent the spread of hepatitis C by not sharing needles, sterilizing any shared equipment, and using barrier methods when engaging in sexual contact.
It’s possible but unlikely that you’ll contract the virus through any open wound that comes into contact with the blood of someone who has hepatitis C, including an open scratch or small cut. Cleaning and covering cuts can help you avoid any possible contact.
Carefully consider whether to use another person’s hygienic items, such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, or personal medical equipment. You can contract hepatitis C if you share items that may have come into contact with traces of blood that carry the virus.
While this type of transmission poses a lower risk than other possible methods of contracting the virus, it’s a good practice to avoid sharing these kinds of items. Note that the other person’s blood may be on the item even if you do not see it.
If you must share these items, clean and sanitize them before use to avoid contracting hepatitis C or other infections.
Additionally, avoid coming into contact with someone else’s used bandages or period products, such as pads and tampons.
The use of injected drugs is the most common way that people contract hepatitis C in the United States and Europe. When you inject drugs, the needle breaks the surface of your skin and comes into contact with your blood.
You should never share needles with others and should always use a new or sanitized needle if you’re injecting anything into your skin.
If a needle is reused without proper sterilization, the residue from the previous injection remains on the needle and can enter another person’s bloodstream.
Dispose of used needles or syringes by using a sharps bin.
Make sure facilities that provide tattoos, piercings, or other services that involve piercing your skin’s surface use new or sanitized equipment for each person.
It may be possible to contract hepatitis C through contact with dried blood. In a 2013 study, researchers found that the hepatitis C virus can remain infective at room temperature for up to 6 weeks.
If objects have come into contact with blood, discard them or clean them with antiseptic products. It’s essential to use antiseptics at the right concentration to ensure that they are effective. Diluted antiseptics will not clean used objects properly.
The safest approach is to avoid using any product that may have come into contact with someone else’s blood.
The hepatitis C virus is transmitted through contact with blood that carries the virus.
To minimize your risk of contracting this virus, avoid sharing needles or personal care items like razors or toothbrushes. If you get a tattoo or piercing, ensure that the establishment uses new or sanitized equipment for each customer to avoid hepatitis C exposure. Additionally, use condoms or other barrier methods during sexual contact.
If you suspect that you have hepatitis C or have been exposed to it, get a blood test as soon as possible. The hepatitis C virus is treatable, and early treatment leads to a better health outcome.