Is hepatitis C contagious?
Yes. Usually the hepatitis C virus is spread from one person to another by direct exposure to infected blood or blood products, and contaminated needles or other sharp objects. Occasionally, the hepatitis C virus may be spread by: 1.) an infected mother to her newborn; 2.) infected household members; or 3.) sexual contact. Sexual transmission typically occurs among people with multiple sexual partners or a history of sexually transmitted disease. HCV transmission is rare among long-term sexual partners who do not have other sexual contacts. If you are infected, we recommend taking extra steps to avoid blood to blood contact with others to prevent any possibility of infecting other people close to you. Do not share items that may be contaminated with blood such as razors and toothbrushes. Consider using condoms, because sexual transmission, although rare, is possible.
Yes, hepatitis C can be spread through infected blood or needles and other sharp objects. Other instances of hepatitis C infection may include transmission from a mother to a newborn, shared household objects like toothbrushes or razors that may be contaminated with blood, and sexual contact. An infection via sexual contact usually occurs with individuals who have multiple sex partners or a sexually transmitted disease history. However, long-time sexual partners who do not have sexual contact with others are a low risk for this method of infection. Condoms are recommended for sexual contact in any case, because this mode of transmission is rare but possible.
Hepatitis C is not a food borne illness. Hepatitis A is. If he has HAV (hepatitis A) make sure he washes his hands well after using the bathroom and before he prepares food. HAV is transmitted by fecal/oral route (poor handwashing then prepare food that is eaten by others who then get HAV). It is also transmitted by certain sexual practices when the mouth comes in contact with the anus. Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood to blood contact only. You need to find out which kind of hep he has so you can protect yourself. There is a vaccine for HAV, but not for HCV (hepatitis C). Also, HCV can live outside the body for up to four days, making it easier to transfer on razor blades, medical instruments that aren’t autoclaved, toothbrushes, etc. Hope this helps. Sorry to be so graphic, but if you don’t know, you can’t protect yourself. Best wishes.
