Hepatitis C infection arises due to contact with the blood of someone with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). This infection often leads to liver problems, the National Institutes of Health notes. If the hepatitis C infection has been in the body for some time the liver may develop cirrhosis, which is permanent scarring on the liver. There are many ways a patient becomes infected with the hepatitis C virus. Some causes of infection are due to medical factors and others are due to lifestyle choices. Medications may control the virus for varying time periods. The American Liver Association notes that hepatitis C infection is present in over 4 million Americans; this disorder causes 8,000 to 10,000 deaths yearly.
Infection Acquired in Medical Job
Nurses, doctors, medical technicians and other workers whose jobs put them in contact with the blood of patients are at higher risk for contracting the hepatitis C virus. Health care workers sometimes do not wear the protective gloves they should wear to prevent contact with patient blood. Accidental needle sticks may also transmit the hepatitis C virus to medical staff.
Virus Transmitted at Birth
Babies born to a mother with a hepatitis C infection may be infected with the virus during the birth process. This route of transmission is rare.
Sharing Needles
Sharing a needle with a person who has hepatitis C may transmit the virus. Often when people inject illegal drugs, they may share needles with a group. This readily transmits the hepatitis C virus to the group if one person is infected.
Received Organ or Blood (Before 1992)
People who received donated organs or blood prior to 1992 may have obtained the hepatitis C virus from the blood or organ. Prior to 1992, tests to ensure that donated blood or organs did not contain hepatitis C were not in common use.
Shared Grooming Items
The use of a razor, nail clippers or toothbrush of a person with hepatitis C may transmit the virus. It is never safe to use the grooming tools of a patient with a known hepatitis C infection.
Tattoo or Acupuncture
If the needles and equipment used for tattoos and acupuncture are not clean and well sterilized they may transmit the hepatitis C virus. Getting a tattoo does involve the health risk of hepatitis C infection. This may occur rarely with a certified tattoo parlor; a small risk does exist though.
Unprotected Sex
Unprotected sex with a person with hepatitis C may transmit the virus to the non-infected partner. The risk increases to acquire hepatitis C during sex if the person already has sexually transmitted diseases or if they have a myriad of sexual partners. Sex with a person with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) may also increase the risk of getting hepatitis C.
