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Modes of transmission
Hepatitis C spread usually happens after contact with infected blood from a diseased patient. Thus, these are all likely sources of viral transmission:
- Sharing syringes or needles: This is a common practice in drug users, and it significantly increases the risk of hepatitis C. After making contact with someone else’s blood, any syringe or needle is contaminated unless previously sterilized.
- At birth: There is a relatively low chance of infection through the birth canal, but it should be considered in infected mothers. Around 6% of babies born by natural delivery from an infected mother will get infected with hepatitis C.
- Healthcare risks: A needle prick or using contaminated surgery tools can spread the disease, too.
- Sexual intercourse: Similar to hepatitis B, HCV can be spread sexually, especially in men who have sex with other men. This mode of transmission is uncommon for hepatitis C but still possible.
- Body piercings or tattoos with non-sterile instruments: Getting a tattoo or body piercing in unlicensed facilities has a high risk of bloodborne infections, including hepatitis C.
- Sharing infected items: Even if you don’t see the blood in a razor, nail clipper, or glucose monitor, they can spread the disease to a new host.
- Organ transplant and blood transfusions: This mode of transmission was more common before blood screening became a widespread procedure before a blood transfusion. Now it is still possible but at an extremely low chance.
