Beyond IV Drug Use: How Does Hep C Spread?

Most commonly, people think of intravenous drug use when they consider the risks of contracting hep C, but that is not the only means of transmission. Let's talk about other ways you can pass hepatitis C onto others and look at ways to prevent it.

Means of transmission

Blood transfusions

Before we knew about what hep C was, there was no way to screen for it. Therefore, anyone who received blood transfusions prior to 1992, when testing became standard, is at risk of possible contamination with hep C.¹ That doesn’t mean you contracted hep C if you had a blood transfusion prior to this date, but it does mean it is in your best liver-health interest to let your medical provider know that you do need to be tested for hep C.

Tattoos

Contaminated ink and needles are the culprits here. The tattoo artists might assure you the needles are sterile, but that is not enough. If the ink that they use is contaminated, you could be at risk for hep C.² It’s best to do some research before you have a tattoo done at any facility.

Toothbrushes

Sharing a toothbrush with someone infected with hep C can put you at risk. While saliva can’t spread hepatitis C, bleeding gums can lead to contamination of toothbrushes. If the other person also bleeds while brushing, that person can experience blood-to-blood transfer.³ If you want to prevent the spread of hep C, never let anyone else use your toothbrush.

Razors

Sharing a razor with someone who is infected and then cutting yourself with this razor can also lead to hep C infection. As with a shared toothbrush, cuts or nicks can allow the virus to enter the bloodstream.⁴ So, it's best never to share your razor if you are infected.

Nail clippers and nail tools

If an infected person is cut with these instruments and the tools are not properly cleaned, the next client could become infected with hep C as well.⁵ When visiting nail salons, it is critical to watch how they handle these tools. The best and safest option is to bring your own personal bag of clippers, files, etc., for them to use on you along with your own nail polish. Many of us love pedicures and manicures, however, there is a chance of contamination from improperly cleaned products and tools.

Sexual Intercourse

While hepatitis C cannot spread through the fluids produced during sex, there is a chance of transmission through blood if both partners have torn membranes or open sores. Using condoms is recommended for those who are not in monogamous relationships.⁶

Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding and have cracked or dry nipples, there is a risk of your baby contracting hep C while breastfeeding. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that nursing mothers stop breastfeeding and maintain supply by pumping and dumping milk until cuts or sores are healed.⁷

Mindfulness can help prevent hep C spread

These are the most common ways to contract hepatitis C. However, in any situation in which contaminated blood comes in contact with another’s blood, the risk is very high.

Just remember to be safe and, if you are bleeding, take precautions for the sake of those around you if you have hep C. Put your personal items out of reach of others who might be at risk of getting infected. Use a bleach agent to clean up blood that is spilled or left on surfaces.

We all just need to be mindful if we have hep C not to leave items that could become harmful for others out and in reach.