How could a person have gotten hepatitis C?

HCV is spread primarily by direct contact with human blood. For example, you may have gotten infected with HCV if:

  • You ever injected street drugs, as the needles and/or other drug "works" used to prepare or inject the drug(s) may have had someone else's blood that contained HCV on them.
  • You received blood, blood products or solid organs from a donor whose blood contained HCV.
  • You were ever on long-term kidney dialysis as you may have unknowingly shared supplies/equipment that had someone else's blood on them.
  • You were ever a healthcare worker and had frequent contact with blood on the job, especially accidental needlesticks.
  • Your mother had hepatitis C at the time she gave birth to you. During the birth her blood may have gotten into your body.
  • You ever had sex with a person infected with HCV.
  • You lived with someone who was infected with HCV and shared items such as razors or toothbrushes that might have had his/her blood on them.

Show All Answers

1. What is Hepatitis C?
2. Is there a vaccine for the prevention of HCV infection?
3. What blood tests are available to check for hepatitis C?
4. How could a person have gotten hepatitis C?
5. How long can Hepatitis C Virus live outside the body and transmit infection?