how can you catch Hep C?

Answer 1

It is a blood-borne disease and is spread by sharing blood -- intraveneous drug use, transfusions before they started testing the blood supply in 1992, tattoos (fresh needles, but blood backs up in the tubing), and so on.

Hep C is not transmitted by other body fluids such as urine, sweat, saliva or semen.

According the the Centers for Disease Control web site, you should be tested if you:
- were notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C.
- have ever injected illegal drugs, even if you experimented a few times many years ago
- received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July, 1992
- were a recipient of clotting factor(s) made before 1987
- have ever been on long-term kidney dialysis
- have evidence of liver disease (e.g., persistently abnormal ALT levels)

Here is a link to the CDC for hep C info:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/index.htm

Answer 2

Hep C is a blood borne virus that is spread by the blood of an infected person getting into the bloodstream of a non infected person. There are several ways this could happen, the most common is IVDU (intravenous drug use), the works associated with drug use including water, filter, snorting equipment. Household risks are toothbrushes, razors, nail brushes, sex (although studies show this is a low risk for monogamous heterosexual couples with no risky behaviour such as anything where blood might be present). The risk increases as the behaviour changes - anal with tearing, rough sex etc. There is also mother to baby, open wounds, actually what you really have to think about is this: how is it possible for someone else's blood to get into my bloodstream? Do not come into contact with anyone elses blood and you will be OK. Always protect yourself, ie., condoms, do not share any drug using tools or works.

Answer 3

I'm siding with my fellow nurse. Although sexual transmission is the least common way to contract Hep C, it is still one of the ways. And of course any body fluid can contain the virus.

The internet is a great source of information but it doesn't beat a medical/nursing education and the internet doesn't interpret what you read nor it is a substitute for experience in the medical field.

Answer 4

Through body fluids blood, urine, semen, this can be from sharing needles, unprotected sex.


If "my thought" was trained in medicine instead of just reading it off the internet then she would know that you can catch hep c through unprotected sex ie SEMEN, it's not the most common cause but you can catch it

Answer 5

It is mostly transmitted through blood.*needles, razors toothbrush*
It can be but is rarely transmitted through sex.
It can't be caught by drinking after someone using thier bathroom casual contact.