How is Hepatitis C Transmitted?

There are several ways to become infected with Hepatitis C.  Here's an easy formula to help describe how the virus is transmitted:

Hepatitis C Positive Body Fluid
+
Direct Access to the Bloodstream
+
Risk Activity
= Possible Infection with Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C Positive Body Fluid

All body fluids may carry the Hepatitis C the virus.  The only fluid with enough of the virus in it to be considered infectious is blood. 

Direct Access to the Bloodstream

The virus is transmitted by direct blood-to-blood contact.  This means that blood from a person who is infected with Hepatitis C needs to get into the blood stream. 

High Risk Activities

• sharing intravenous needles/syringes (for piercing, tattoos, acupuncture or drugs).
• sharing of drug related equipment (like spoons, straws, mixing dishes, filters, swabs, ties, crack pipes, water, dollar bills and paper)

Other Risk Activities

• sexual intercourse when blood is involved (anal sex, rough sex, sex when menstruating). 
• sharing anything that can cause bleeding (razors, toothbrushes, dental floss, tooth picks, nail clippers)
• mother to child during breast-feeding (nipples may be cracked and/or bleeding) and during childbirth (uncommon)

If you've engaged in any combination of these risk activities you may have put yourself at risk for Hepatitis C. 

Contact YouthCO, your doctor or a walk-in clinic to make an appointment to learn more and to get tested.

Learn more about HIV and AIDS, the Stages of the virus and How HIV is Transmitted.

Learn more about Hepatitis C and its Symptoms.