Hepatitis C Causes
Learn what the medical community has uncovered about what causes Hepatitis C inside the condition center at ThirdAge.com. When you're done continue your research by selecting the next category in the left navigation.
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Causes of Hepatitis C
HCV is carried in the blood of people infected with the virus. It is most often spread through contact with infected blood, such as:
- Injecting illicit drugs with shared needles
- Receiving HCV-infected blood transfusions (before 1992) or blood clotting products (before 1987)
- Receiving an HCV-infected organ transplant
- Receiving long-term kidney dialysis treatment (machine can be tainted with HCV-infected blood)
- Sharing toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, or other personal hygiene items that have HCV-infected blood on them
- Being accidentally stuck by an HCV-infected needle-a concern for healthcare workers
- Frequent contact with HCV-infected people-a concern for healthcare workers
- Receiving a tattoo, body piercing, or acupuncture with unsterilized or improperly sterilized equipment
Hepatitis C can also spread through:
- An HCV-infected mother to her baby at the time of birth
- Sexual contact with someone infected with HCV
- Sharing a straw or inhalation tube when inhaling drugs with someone infected by HCV
- Receiving a blood transfusion
HCV cannot spread through:
- The air
- Unbroken skin
- Casual social contact
- Breastfeeding
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
reserved. Source: EBSCO
