Health Professionals and Caregivers
People who work with sharp objects, such as needles and scalpels, have a high risk of contracting hepatitis C. Needle sticks and being stuck with sharp instruments are inadvertent ways of becoming infected. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, EMTs and other caregivers should all be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
Drug Users
Drug users are also at risk of contracting hepatitis C through the use and sharing of needles and syringes. Even straws that are used in snorting cocaine can be a route of transmission for hepatitis C. Anything that has to do with injecting drugs into the body can carry the hepatitis C virus and be a transmitter.
Body Art
Hepatitis C can also be spread through tattooing and piercing equipment if they are not properly sterilized. People who get tattoos and piercings should make sure they are going to a shop that has proper sterilization equipment. Tattoo needles and other equipment used in the piercing process should be sterilized according to hospital standards. Professional, top quality shops have sterilization units that meet health code and hospital qualifications.
Sexual Contact
Sexual contact can also be a way of transmitting hepatitis C. It's not as common as blood-borne pathogens, but it does carry a risk. It can also be passed from mother to child in the birthing process. Hepatitis C is the most severe form of the hepatitis viruses. Wearing a condom is an effective way of stopping the transmission of most STDs. Nothing is 100 percent effective, but wearing protection cuts down the risk of contracting an STD dramatically, if used correctly.
References
- Hepatitis C
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Phyllis Balch, 2006
- Hepatitis Fact Sheet
