Hepatitis C: Prevention and risks
On this page
How hepatitis C spreads
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood containing HCV. It only takes a small amount of blood to transmit HCV.
The HCV virus can live outside of the body for several days to several weeks. HCV can be transmitted through:
- sharing equipment for preparing and consuming drugs (such as pipes, straws, spoons, needles, syringes, and cookers)
- sharing unsterilized materials or equipment used for tattooing and body piercings
- blood transfusions in countries where blood or blood products are not adequately/routinely screened for HCV
- unsterilized medical/dental equipment
- sharing personal care items, such as toothbrushes, razors and nail clippers
- perinatal transmission during pregnancy or childbirth
- condomless sex with a person with HCV, especially if it involves contact with blood, such as in the presence of:
- menstrual blood
- open sores, cuts or wounds
- semen, rectal mucus, or vaginal fluid containing blood
- rough sex and other activities with a chance of blood-to-blood contact
Even if you clear the HCV on your own or are cured with treatment, you can still get hepatitis C again.
A person with HCV who has no symptoms or signs of hepatitis C can pass the virus to another person.
Preventing Hepatitis C
There are ways to prevent and reduce the likelihood of hepatitis C when engaging in different activities that may have a chance of transmission.
To help prevent acquiring or transmitting HCV:
- talk to your partner(s) about safer sex and being tested for sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI)
- learn about safer sex methods and practice them, such as correctly and consistently using a condom during vaginal, anal, and oral sex
- use lubricant when engaging in anal sex and rough sex. Some lubricants can weaken latex and can lead to condom breakage. Consult the package labels for information on safe usage of condoms and lubricant.
- use new drug use equipment and don't share equipment for preparing and injecting, smoking or snorting drugs
- use new and sterile equipment for each person
- only get tattoos and piercings in professional settings that follow regulations and standards, and are inspected and approved by local public health departments