How Is Hep C Transmitted?

What Is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a disease that causes inflammation of the liver. It is caused by the virus HCV. The virus is carried in and transmitted through the blood, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. It may be difficult to tell that you have hepatitis C as its symptoms are typically minor and may seem like the flu or a similar illness. Some people notice fever, tiredness, feeling sick to the stomach and overall body aches and pains.

Exposure to Blood

Hepatitis C is transmitted through the blood, so, you can generally only get it if you are in contact with blood that's infected with hepatitis C. You can contract it through a blood transfusion or organ transplant with materials from before 1992, says the Mayo Clinic. After that time, screening was done to prevent hepatitis C transmission. Intravenous drug users can also contract hepatitis C if they share needles with an infected person. Any time you share a razor with an infected person, a tattoo needle or other sharp object, you can get hepatitis C. A baby can also develop hepatitis C from mothers who are infected with the illness.

Sexual Contact and Toothbrushes

Although the Mayo Clinic says it's not very common, people with hepatitis C can transmit the disease to another person through sexual contact. Another possible-yet-rare way to transmit hepatitis C is by letting someone share your toothbrush if you're infected with the virus.

How You Can't Get Hep C

The good news is that you can't transmit hepatitis C through simply touching someone. So that means that shaking hands, hugging and sitting near someone won't transmit the virus. You must come into contact with the contaminated blood of another person to get hepatitis C, says the NDDIC.