What Is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Unlike genetic conditions, hepatitis C is not hereditary — it is transmitted through direct contact with blood containing the virus.
More than 58 million people worldwide are living with HCV. Some may not experience symptoms, while others develop acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) infections. If untreated, chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious liver complications.

 

How Is Hepatitis C Transmitted?

The hepatitis C virus is primarily spread through exposure to infected blood. The most common transmission routes include:

Sharing Needles and Drug Equipment

Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia (like straws for snorting drugs) significantly increases the risk of HCV transmission. The virus can survive inside syringes for weeks.
Needle Exchange Programs (NEPs) help reduce the spread by providing clean needles and safe disposal options.

Sharing Personal Hygiene Items

Using personal items like razors or toothbrushes that may have traces of blood can expose you to HCV. To prevent infection, avoid sharing any hygiene tools that might come into contact with blood.

Tattoos and Body Piercings

Receiving tattoos or piercings in unregulated settings (such as prisons) without proper sterilization increases the risk of infection. Always ensure equipment is sterilized and opened in front of you.

Mother-to-Child Transmission

Approximately 6% of babies born to HCV-positive mothers contract the virus during birth.
Breastfeeding does not usually spread HCV unless the nipples are cracked or bleeding.

Sexual Transmission

Although less common, HCV can spread through unprotected sexual activities, particularly receptive anal sex with multiple partners. Using condoms helps lower the risk.

Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants

Before 1992, blood transfusions and organ transplants were major sources of hepatitis C transmission. Today, with strict donor screening, the risk is extremely low.

Hemodialysis

People undergoing long-term hemodialysis for kidney failure have a slightly increased risk of contracting hepatitis C, although modern infection controls have greatly reduced this.

Healthcare Settings

Accidental exposure to HCV-positive blood can occur in hospitals or labs, typically through needlestick injuries. Strict safety protocols have helped reduce these risks significantly.

 

How Hepatitis C Is Not Spread

You cannot contract hepatitis C through:

  • Casual skin contact

  • Kissing, hugging, or shaking hands

  • Sharing food, water, or utensils

  • Sneezing or coughing

  • Swimming in pools

  • Using public restrooms

HCV transmission requires direct blood-to-blood contact.

 

Is Hepatitis C Hereditary?

Hepatitis C is not genetic. It is not passed from parent to child through DNA. However, there is a small chance of transmission during childbirth if the mother has HCV.

 

Who Is Most at Risk for Hepatitis C?

Geography

The highest rates of hepatitis C occur in the Eastern Mediterranean and European regions, followed by Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. The Americas report the fewest cases.

Sex

Chronic hepatitis C is reported more frequently among individuals assigned male at birth than those assigned female. Hormonal differences may play a role, but more research is needed.

Age

Hepatitis C is most common among adults aged 20–39, often linked to the start of injectable drug use.
Cases also increase among people aged 55–70, likely due to undetected long-term infections from earlier exposures.

Ethnicity

In the United States, Native Americans have the highest reported rates of hepatitis C, while Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have the lowest.

 

Getting Tested for Hepatitis C

The CDC recommends that:

  • All adults be screened for HCV at least once in their lifetime.

  • Pregnant individuals be screened during each pregnancy.

  • Those with risk factors be screened more frequently.

Early detection allows for timely treatment, preventing serious liver damage.

 

A Quick Review

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus and spreads through exposure to infected blood.
It is not inherited genetically.
Major risk factors include sharing needles, unsafe tattooing or piercing, and accidental blood exposure.
Getting tested is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment to avoid long-term liver complications.