Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus is found in the blood of persons who have this disease and is spread by contact with infected blood.

What increases my risk for Hepatitis C infection?

• Having a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992

• Having been treated for clotting problems with a blood product made before 1987

• Having ever been on long-term kidney dialysis

• Having ever injected street drugs, even once, many years ago

• If you are a healthcare worker exposed to blood in the workplace through accidental needlestick injuries

• Having been a baby born to infected mothers

• Hepatitis C can also be spread by sexual intercourse, but this does not occur very often.

Hepatitis C is not spread by:

• Sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses

• Casual contact

• Breasffeeding

• Sneezing

• Food or water

• Coughing

• Hugging or kissing

For more information on Hepatitis, visit the CDC’s Hepatitis webpage.