Hepatitis C is a liver condition caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus can be transmitted through contact with contaminated blood. The Hepatitis C virus can also survive outside the body for at least four days. Although there’s no vaccine for hepatitis C, this condition can be treated with antiviral medications. Read here to understand the spread and contraction of Hep C.

The only way Hepatitis C is spread is through exposure to an infected person’s blood. This can happen through:

1. Sharing injection equipment
Any equipment used for injecting drugs like needles and syringes that have small amounts of blood on it can help transfer the virus to another person. One of the answers to how hepatitis C spreads and gets contracted is when a person with Hepatitis C shares needles or contaminated drugs with others.

2. Sharing tattoo or piercing tools
Sharing non-sterile tattoo or piercing tools is another answer if you want to know how can hepatitis C spread and get contracted . This usually happens when a person gets the tattoos or body piercings done at unlicensed facilities or informal settings.

3. Blood transfusions
Hepatitis C was also spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants before 1992. However, this is now rare as many countries screen the blood supply. This process has lowered the risk of transmission to a great extent. The risk is high in countries that do not screen blood for Hepatitis C.

4. Non-sterile medical equipment
Hepatitis C can also spread through the use of non-sterile medical equipment. This can occur due to poor sanitation of medical equipment or reusing a needle or syringe that someone already infected with the Hep C virus has used.

5. Sharing personal items
Another answer to how hepatitis C can spread and get contracted is when people share personal items that may have come into contact with infected blood. These personal items can include razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, glucose monitors, and other hygiene items.

6. Unprotected sex
Though rare, Hepatitis C can be contracted through sexual contact, especially during menstruation or certain sexual behaviors such as fisting. There is a higher chance of spreading it if you have HIV or another sexually transmitted infection.

7. Pregnancy and birth
Hepatitis C can be passed on from mother to baby during childbirth. The chances are more if the mother has HIV and Hepatitis C.

8. Needle sticks
This occurs especially in a healthcare setting where a needle that has come into contact with blood containing hepatitis C punctures the skin.

Activities that do not involve blood to blood contact are considered to have no chance of passing Hepatitis C. This means a person cannot contract hepatitis C by:

• Sharing kitchen utensils (containing drinks or food) with an infected person
• Holding, kissing, hugging, or touching someone with hepatitis C
• Sneezing or coughing by someone with hepatitis C

Lastly, to prevent contracting Hepatitis C, the only way is to avoid contact with infected blood.