Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). If a person has contracted the virus, they can spread it to the people around. However, HCV is not very easy to catch. With a bit of precaution, patients can ensure the safety of those around. This post will explain how hepatitis C is spread and contracted to help keep the disease contained.

How is hepatitis C spread and contracted?
As stated above, hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease. It means that the virus can only spread by exposure to an infected person’s blood. It can happen through the following methods:

1. Sharing drug use equipment
Tools associated with injecting anything into the body can be a spreader of hepatitis C. Needles, syringes, or tourniquets may have a small amount of blood on them that may cause the spread. Also, pipes or straws used to smoke or snort drugs can have blood on them from nosebleeds or cracked lips. So it is advisable never to share this equipment with other people to prevent hepatitis C.

2. Blood transfusions
Blood transfusions conducted without screening the blood for hepatitis C may also spread the disease. However, this contraction method is rare these days. Countries are taking stringent measures to scan the blood for any virus or impurities before infusion.

3. Non-sterilized tattoo needles or medical equipment
Non-sterilized needles or tattoo inks may also contain contaminated blood and are, hence, capable of spreading the disease. And sometimes, health practitioners in hospitals or medical clinics may also use non-sterilized medical equipment that may spread hepatitis C. Doctors and nurses may also contract the virus through injuries from needle pricks.

4. Sharing or not disposing of grooming supplies
This is another critical factor that triggers how hepatitis C is spread and contracted. Used razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, or anything that may have blood on them can transmit the disease. Sanitary napkins, used bandages, or paper napkins stained with blood can also contribute to the spread.

5. Unprotected sex
Although rare, this may be another reason for the spread of hepatitis C. Having sex during menstruation or indulging in other practices during intercourse may increase the risk of transmitting the virus.

6. Pregnancy and childbirth
Experts suggest that a mother can pass on the hepatitis C virus to her child during pregnancy or at the time of birth. The likelihood of this significantly goes up if the mother has HIV.

Understanding how hepatitis C is spread and contracted is essential to protect the people around. Besides taking the measures mentioned above, one can also contact a doctor to understand any other potential causes of the HCV virus transmission.