How is hepatitis C spread (transmitted)?
Transmission occurs when blood or other body fluids from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. This may happen through sharing of needles or “works” when “shooting” drugs, through accidental needle sticks, or from an infected mother to baby during birth. Sexual transmission can occur but is much less efficient than transmission through blood exposure. Hepatitis C is not spread through kissing, hugging, breastfeeding, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, coughing, sneezing, food, water, or casual contact. What are the signs and symptoms? Most people (80%) do not experience any symptoms. Some people experience abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). How soon do symptoms appear? Symptoms may occur from 2 weeks to 6 months after infection but usually within 2 months. What are the long-term effects? Most infected persons (75-85%) develop a chronic infection. With chronic infection, th
Transmission occurs when blood or other body fluids from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. This may happen through sharing of needles or “works” when “shooting” drugs, through accidental needle sticks, or from an infected mother to baby during birth. Sexual transmission can occur but is much less efficient than transmission through blood exposure. Hepatitis C is not spread through kissing, hugging, breastfeeding, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, coughing, sneezing, food, water, or casual contact. What are the signs and symptoms? Most people (80%) do not experience any symptoms. Some people experience abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). How soon do symptoms appear? Symptoms may occur from 2 weeks to 6 months after infection but usually within 2 months. What are the long-term effects? Most infected persons (75-85%) develop a chronic infection. With chronic infection, th
