The hepatitis C virus or HCV is a known cause of chronic liver disease. It is linked with a large number of deaths annually within the United States, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Hepatitis C may cause cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure in an individual. It also causes chronic liver disease, which continues throughout the person's life.
Needle Sharing
Sharing needles with other people is risky behavior that is common among users of illicit drugs such as heroin. Not knowing if someone else is infected with the virus can put a person at risk of contracting hepatitis C. The infection typically passes between people because one already is infected by the virus and the two share needles. Drug addicts may share needles with several people while under the influence of illicit drugs.
Birth
A pregnant woman who is infected with HCV can pass the infection to her unborn child. Because the fetus is an integral part of its mother's body during pregnancy, it shares blood with the mother. Hepatitis C passes easily into the child and becomes a major health concern for the baby when it is born.
Hemodialysis
Although the chances of the transmission of the hepatitis c virus have dramatically decreased with technology, still the chance remains for the virus to be transmitted through this procedure, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports. Hemodialysis is a filtering of the person's blood to remove toxins during the last portion of kidney failure. If this blood needs to be supplemented, it is possible for HVC to infect the person. There is a period before the virus becomes detectable within the blood cells. People are screened more thoroughly who donate blood products for people who need transfusions these days, but the potential remains for infection.
Needle Stick
This is more common among medical professionals such as nurses and phlebotomists who often handle syringes that contain blood samples. If the blood is taken from a person infected with HCV and an accident happens where the medical professional is stuck with the needle, she may become infected. Home caregivers also may be susceptible to accidental needle sticks. Precautionary measures such as properly disposing of needles and handling them carefully can help prevent this problem. If a needle stick occurs, the area needs to be washed with soap and water. The person stuck should contact her doctor for further testing and treatment.
