How do people get Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted by the exchange of blood.

• It can be transmitted by improperly sterilized instruments (body piercing, tattoos, acupuncture), even repeat use of same ink in tattooing
• Similar concerns arise with the sharing of razors, tooth brushes and nail clippers
• Infected blood products
• Sharing needles for intravenous drug use
• Occupational exposure (needle stick injuries)
• Mother-to-child transmission (less than 8%)
• Sharing straws to snort cocaine
• Unprotected sex, 0-3% (the risk is higher in people with multiple sex partners or with sexual acts that injure body tissues)

Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact!

How to avoid spreading Hepatitis C?

• Advise anyone who comes in contact with your blood or bodily fluids.
• Do not share razors, tooth brushes and other personal hygiene items.
• Carefully dispose of items that contain your blood or bodily fluids (tissues, tampons etc).
• Use disinfectants and bandages to cover cuts and wounds.
• Avoid sexual activities that may cause contact with blood (avoid unprotected sex during menstruation).
• Do not donate blood, organs, bone marrow, eggs or semen.