About Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a contagious virus that affects the liver of infected individuals. As of 2009, there is no cure or vaccine to prevent the spread of hepatitis C. The virus is transmitted through contact with an infected person's blood. The World Health Organization estimates 170 million people worldwide have hepatitis C and 3 million to 4 million new people become infected with the virus each year.
Needles
Any activity that exposes a person to blood poses a risk for spreading the hepatitis C virus. The most common way hepatitis C is transmitted from person-to-person is through sharing needles. Illegal drug users have the highest risk of contracting the virus, because of needle sharing.
On rare occasions, medical professionals may become exposed to hepatitis C through an accidental needle prick, after using a syringe on an infected individual.
There is a risk of contracting hepatitis C from getting a tattoo or a piercing with equipment that has not been properly sterilized. Watch the tattoo or piercing artist to ensure he uses a brand new needle to avoid the risk of becoming contaminated from an infected needle.
Sharing Razors or Toothbrushes
If you share a razor or a toothbrush with a person who has hepatitis C, you can become infected. A razor can become contaminated with the virus, if the person cuts himself with the blade and blood is excreted. Likewise, sores inside the mouth can contaminate a toothbrush if even a minute amount of blood is left behind on the brush.
Unprotected Sex
Hepatitis C can be transmitted through unprotected sex. Small tears in the vagina, anus or on the penis emit tiny amounts of blood. In addition, menstrual blood carries the virus. Latex condoms reduce the risk of transmission of hepatits C between individuals, but condoms do not fully eliminate the risk. It is not known how effective condoms are at preventing the spread of hepatitis C.
Childbirth
A mother infected with hepatitis C can transmit the virus to her infant during childbirth, although this is not common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 4 out of 100 infants born to hepatitis C positive mothers, contract the virus from childbirth.
A mother who has sores on her nipples should refrain from breastfeeding to prevent the chance of spreading the virus to her infant.
Blood Transfusions
Since 1992, donated blood in the United States has undergone strict testing to identify the hepatitis C virus. People who received blood transfusions prior to 1992, may have contracted hepatitis C. With the current testing of donated blood in place, it is highly unlikely that a person will contract hepatitis C from a blood transfusion.
In third world countries, where donated blood may not be tested, the risk of contracting hepatitis C from a blood transfusion is still high.
