transmission of hep C

sexual transmission
between long-term partners
social contact and household transmission
insect bites

The vast majority of cases of Hep C in Australia are due to sharing injecting equipment among injecting drug users (80%). Other people may have acquired the virus through:

transfusion of blood products (510%) prior to 1990;
non-sterile medical procedures or dental procedures;
non-sterile tattooing or piercing procedures;
needle stick injuries and occupational exposure to injected blood or blood products;
some other form of blood to blood contact; and
mother to child transmission during pregnancy and delivery (very low risk, with most babies born antibody positive and clearing the virus within 18 months).

Note: There are no documented cases of Hep C transmission due to needle stick injury from discarded needles documented in Australia. The only proven cases of Hep C acquisition through needlestick injury relate to clinical settings, where quantities of fresh blood were involved.

Risk of transmission is potentially influenced by a person's viral load and is increased during the initial (acute) stage of infection, which lasts up to six months after catching the virus.

sexual transmission

Hep C is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection. However, sex that involves blood (menstruation or any sexual activity that involves blood or bleeding) and blood sports are considered a low risk for transmission of Hep C.

When one partner is Hep C positive, couples may need to rethink their sexual practices to reduce the risk of blood-to-blood contact during sex. Using condoms and dams when a female partner is menstruating or when having anal sex may be advisable. Water-based lubricants can also avoid skin damage or abrasion during sex.

between long-term partners

Some drug users think that sharing equipment with long-term partners isn't risky, but this is not necessarily so. The infection may take many years before symptoms develop, and people who may only have injected a few times 15 or 20 years ago are now presenting with Hep C virus and liver disease.

It is important to remember there are number of different strains of Hep C and that just because you and your partner both have Hep C, it doesn't mean you've got the same type. By sharing injecting equipment, you run the risk of acquiring another strain of the virus (it is possible to be infected with more than one strain) which may complicate your health later on.

social contact and household transmission

Hep C is not passed on through social contact. Hugging, kissing, sharing food and drinks, plates, eating utensils or toilet facilities will not transmit the virus. To minimise the risk of transmission within the home it is suggested that people do not share razor blades, toothbrushes and sharp personal grooming aids, i.e. anything that may involve blood. When wiping up blood spills it is advisable to wear gloves, use paper towels, good quality detergent or bleach and plenty of cold water.

insect bites

Mosquitos and other insects do not transmit the Hep C virus.