According to the CDC, there is an estimated 1.2 million Americans living with chronic hepatitis B and 3.2 million living with chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis B and C are both liver diseases that can result in serious liver problems. Both hepatitis B and C can be an acute or chronic illness. If you are infected with either disease, it can be a mild disease or progress into a very serious long-term illness.
Sharing Syringes or Drug Injection Equipment
Viruses like Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood. Persons who share needles to inject drugs put themselves at great risk for infections like hepatitis B and C and HIV. It is risky to use illicit drugs, because they can impair your judgment and there are adverse effects on your health. Sharing needles is the most common way in the United States for someone to contract Hepatitis C.
Sexual Contact
Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. This risk is lower for transmission of hepatitis C, but the risk increases if you have multiple partners, have rough sex, have HIV or a sexually transmitted disease. Most hepatitis B infections are transmitted through sexual contact. The CDC reports that hepatitis B is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
Fingerstick Through a Needle in Healthcare Setting
Healthcare workers that get a needle stick with an instrument that is contaminated with someone else's blood are obviously at risk. It is important that healthcare workers understand how to take the proper precautions when dealing with blood-borne pathogens that may put them at risk.
Sharing Personal Care Items
You should use common sense when sharing personal items. You should not share items such as razors or toothbrushes with others. It is unsanitary and, though less likely, could lead to transmission of viruses like hepatitis B and C.
Getting a Tattoo with Non- Sterile Equipment
If you decide to get a tattoo, make sure that it is sanitary and that workers are using sterile equipment every time. If equipment is contaminated or the tattoo artist is not using standard precautions, you are putting yourself at risk for hepatitis B and C.
From Mother to Child
There is a chance for a mother to transmit hepatitis B or C to her child during childbirth. It is important that mothers who have put themselves at risk get tested for these and other illnesses, so that doctors can take the appropriate preventive and treatment measures. Around the world, most hepatitis B infections happen during childbirth and in the early years of life.
