The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread when blood from a person infected with the hepatitis C virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. The hepatitis C virus can remain infectious outside the body for up to 6 weeks. Spreading the virus can happen in different ways, like:
Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to prepare and inject drugs
Needlestick injuries in healthcare settings
Mother-to-child transfer at birth
Tattoos or body piercings done with contaminated needles or by a nonprofessional
Blood transfusions and organ transplants (before 1992)
Sexual contact with someone who has HCV
Exposure to blood containing HCV that has not been cleaned up
Sharing personal items like razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers that may have come in contact with blood containing HCV
You CAN’T get hep C from:
You can ONLY get hep C from:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hepatitis C testing for:
In addition:
CDC recommends regular testing for:
adults in the US are living with HCV
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent hep C, but it can be cured. Cure means the hepatitis C virus is not detectable in your blood months after treatment ends.
“The most difficult part of living with hepatitis C was knowing I have it, not knowing how I got it, and fearing that someone could get it from me.”
Rick F., hep C patient
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