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Hepatitis C is usually spread from one person to another by direct exposure to infected blood or blood products, and needles or other sharp objects. With hepatitis C, there is risk associated with everyday events such as bleeding from cuts or nosebleeds, and blood from menstruation. Household personal items that come in contact with the blood of an infected person can become a means of spreading the virus (for example, toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments).
The risk of contracting hepatitis C through sexual contact is higher for people with multiple sexual partners. Hepatitis C is rarely spread from an infected mother to her newborn or to other members of the household. However, if the mother is also HIV-positive, the risk of passing the hepatitis C virus is much higher. Breastfeeding does not appear to transmit the hepatitis C virus.
If you have hepatitis C, you cannot infect others through hugging, shaking hands, sneezing, coughing, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, kissing on the cheek, casual contact, or other contact that doesn't involve exposure to blood. If you've been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C, contact The Be In Charge® Program today for more information and support.
A person infected with hepatitis C may become infectious to others as soon as 2 weeks after being infected themselves.
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