How Does Hepatitis C Spread?
HCV is predominantly spread by blood-to-blood contact with someone who already has the virus. Blood transfusions and sharing unsterilized syringes or injection needles have been the main means of contracting the virus in the United States. Because of the introduction of routine blood screenings for the virus in 1991, the risk of contracting the disease via blood transfusion has been greatly diminished. However, those who received a blood transfusion before 1992 may still be at risk. Others groups that may be at risk for contracting HCV include: • Children born to HCV-infected mothers; • Anyone who has undergone hemodialysis for kidney failure; • Anyone who has had unprotected sex with a person who has HCV; and • Those who have had multiple sex partners. What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis C? Most HCV sufferers experience no symptoms for some time after contracting the disease, and in some cases, individuals may never experience any symptoms. Even if symptoms are present, they may be har
