Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that primarily targets the liver, causing inflammation. This infection can manifest as either an acute, short-term illness or develop into a chronic, long-term condition. While acute infections can sometimes resolve on their own, a significant percentage of individuals, around 70% to 85%, will progress to chronic HCV. If left unaddressed, chronic hepatitis C can lead to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, and is a leading cause of liver transplants.
Hepatitis C Transmission Explained
Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, requiring infected blood to enter an uninfected person’s bloodstream. A superficial scratch is generally not a significant risk for HCV transmission, as it typically lacks sufficient blood exchange. For transmission via a scratch, fresh, infected blood must be present, and the scratch deep enough for direct entry into the recipient’s bloodstream.
The hepatitis C virus can survive in dried blood at room temperature for up to six weeks. This means objects with infected blood could pose a theoretical risk. However, the actual risk of transmission from a scratch or casual contact is very low. For instance, the chance of infection after a needlestick injury, which involves more direct blood exposure, is approximately 1.8% to 3%.
Common Transmission Routes
The most common way hepatitis C is transmitted is through sharing needles or syringes for drug injection. This accounts for a large majority of new infections, with estimates suggesting around 80-90% of new infections in some regions occur this way. Sharing other drug paraphernalia, such as cotton, water, or spoons, can also facilitate transmission due to traces of blood.
Other common routes include:
- Blood transfusions and organ transplants were significant routes, but are now very rare due to widespread screening of blood products since 1992.
- Unsterile medical or dental procedures, particularly in countries with poor infection control.
- Sexual transmission, while less frequent, is possible, especially with multiple partners, rough sex, or other sexually transmitted infections that increase blood exposure.
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth, with approximately 5% of babies born to HCV-positive mothers acquiring the virus.
Testing and Prevention
Testing for Hepatitis C is recommended for all adults aged 18 and older at least once in their lifetime, and for all pregnant women during each pregnancy. Periodic retesting is advised for individuals with ongoing risk factors, such as those who continue to inject drugs. Specific groups, including people with HIV, those with abnormal liver tests, or individuals who received blood transfusions before July 1992, should also consider getting tested.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Prevention strategies primarily focus on avoiding direct contact with infected blood. This includes never sharing needles or syringes, ensuring sterile practices for tattoos and piercings, and avoiding shared personal items like razors or toothbrushes that might have traces of blood. Practicing safer sex by using condoms can also reduce the low risk of sexual transmission, particularly in situations that might involve blood exposure.