How You Could Contract Hepatitis C And What You Should Do Immediately

8. How Is It Spread?

Hepatitis C is contracted by coming in contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. It can be spread by sharing needles or drugs with an infected person, having sexual intercourse with someone who has a sexually transmitted disease, HIV, or is a carrier of hepatitis C, and from birth when an infected mother passes it to her child. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting tested immediately if any of these situations are a concern.

7. Risk Factors

People who are at an increased risk of hepatitis C include current and past drug injection users, recipients of donated blood, organs and blood products before the year of 1987, people who have spent many years on dialysis for kidney failure, people who have gotten tattoos with non-sterile instruments, health care workers injured by needles, people with HIV infections and children who are born to parents with the virus. Less common risks include having sexual contact or sharing person items such as razors or a toothbrush with an infected person.