You can become infected with hepatitis C if you come into contact with the blood or, less commonly, the body fluids of an infected person.
The blood has the highest concentration of the virus, so exposure to infected blood is the easiest way to get the virus. Just a small trace of blood can cause an infection, and the virus can survive outside of the body in patches of dried blood on surfaces, for at least 16 hours but no longer than four days (at room temperature conditions).
Injecting drugs
Hepatitis C is most commonly spread by people sharing contaminated needles, spoons and filters to inject drugs.
Injecting yourself with just one contaminated needle may be enough to become infected.
Other, less common causes
Blood donations before September 1991
Since this date, all blood donated in the UK is checked for the hepatitis C virus. If you received blood transfusions or blood products before this date, there is a small possibility that you were infected with hepatitis C.
Blood transfusions and treatment abroad
If you have a blood transfusion or medical or dental treatment overseas where medical equipment is not sterilised properly, you may become infected with hepatitis C. The virus can survive in traces of blood left on equipment.
Sharing toothbrushes, scissors and razors
There is a potential risk that hepatitis C may be passed on through sharing items such as toothbrushes, razors and scissors.
Equipment used by hairdressers can pose a risk if it has been contaminated with infected blood and not been sterilised or cleaned between customers. However, most salons operate to high standards, so this risk is low.
Tattooing and body piercing
There is a potential risk that hepatitis C may be passed on through using tattooing or body piercing equipment that has not been properly sterilised.
However, most tattoo and body piercing parlours in the UK operate to high standards and are regulated by the law, so this risk is low.
Mother to child
There is a small (one in 20) risk that a mother who is infected with the hepatitis C virus will pass the infection on to her baby.
Needlestick and splash injury
There is a small (approximately one in 30) risk of getting hepatitis C if your skin is accidentally punctured by a needle used by someone with hepatitis C. There is also a small risk of transmission if a splash of infected blood gets in the eyes or in the mouth.
Healthcare workers, nurses and laboratory technicians are at increased risk because they are in regular close contact with blood and body fluids.
Unprotected sex
Hepatitis C may be transmitted during unprotected sex (sex without using a condom), although this risk is considered very low, especially if you are in a long-term, stable relationship. The risk of transmission through sex may be higher among men who have sex with men.
If your partner has hepatitis C, consider getting tested (see Diagnosis).
