The hepatitis C virus is found mainly in the blood, but also in other tissues and body fluids containing blood. The virus enters the body through a break in the skin or through the mucous membranes such as your nose and mouth.
Hepatitis C can be spread by:
- Sharing needles, syringes, swabs, filters, spoons, tourniquets,
and water for injection drug use
- Using unsterilized body piercing
and tattooing equipment
- Receiving blood products or transfusions before 1992
- Accidentally being stuck with a needle that has been used on someone infected
with hepatitis C
- Having unprotected sex with a partner who is hepatitis C positive. Studies
show that sexual transmission is very low. But there may be a higher risk
with multiple sex partners, open sores in genital area during sex, or sex
during menstruation
- Sharing personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes and razors
- Using any other household items contaminated with infected blood
- There is a risk of transmitting hepatitis C from mothers to babies during pregnancy or birth
- There is a risk of transmitting hepatitis C from mothers to babies, when the mother’s nipples are cracked or bleeding. Breast milk itself does not transmit hepatitis C.
