What are the issues for partners, families and friends?
Except for blood-to-blood contact, the virus is quite difficult to pass on. Within normal daily contact, family members, friends and work colleagues are not at risk of contracting hepatitis C. Partners, families and friends can play an important role providing emotional and practical support for people with hepatitis C. Most babies are not at risk of catching hepatitis C, and sexual transmission of hepatitis C is very uncommon. If parents feel it is necessary to test their babies and toddlers, it is important to discuss with the testing process with their GP or specialist. A PCR viral detection test done at 4-6 weeks will indicate whether the baby has contracted the virus, as would an antibody blood test done at 18 months.
