Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that primarily targets the liver, leading to inflammation and potential damage. This article clarifies how HCV is transmitted and addresses common misunderstandings about its spread.
How Hepatitis C Spreads
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus, spreading through direct contact with infected blood. The most common transmission route in the United States is sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. Even tiny, invisible specks of blood can contain the virus and lead to transmission.
Historically, blood transfusions and organ transplants before July 1992 were significant transmission routes, prior to widespread donor screening. In healthcare settings, accidental needle sticks or exposure to contaminated medical equipment can transmit the virus. Less commonly, HCV can transmit from an infected mother to her baby during birth, with about 6% of infants acquiring the virus.
Sexual transmission of Hepatitis C is possible but occurs less frequently. The risk increases with sexual practices involving blood exposure, such as rough sex, or among individuals with multiple partners or other sexually transmitted infections like HIV. Sharing personal items contaminated with blood, such as razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers, also poses a risk. Unregulated tattooing or body piercing with unsterile equipment can also facilitate transmission.
Common Misconceptions About Transmission
Hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact. The virus does not transmit through activities like hugging, kissing, or sharing food or drinks. Using public restrooms, coughing, or sneezing also do not spread HCV.
Insect bites, such as from mosquitoes, are not a known route for Hepatitis C transmission. HCV is not spread through breast milk, food, or water. Understanding these non-transmission routes reduces fear and stigma associated with the infection.
Screening and Risk Reduction
Screening for Hepatitis C is recommended for all adults aged 18 and older at least once, and for all pregnant women during each pregnancy. Individuals with specific risk factors should also consider testing, including those who have injected drugs, received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, or have medical conditions like HIV or a history of hemodialysis. Anyone requesting Hepatitis C testing should receive it, regardless of disclosed risk factors.
The testing process involves a blood test for antibodies; if detected, a nucleic acid test (NAT) confirms active infection. Since there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, prevention relies on avoiding behaviors that spread the virus. This includes never sharing needles, syringes, or drug preparation equipment. Practicing safe sex, especially with multiple partners or other risk factors, and ensuring sterile equipment for medical procedures, tattoos, and piercings are also important preventive measures.