The hepatitis C virus can infect a person who has been exposed to an infected person's blood. The virus can stay in the body, usually for a lifetime, and eventually can cause chronic, serious liver diseases. You are at risk if you share needles, razors, toothbrushes or other items that could be contaminated with blood. You are at risk if you received a blood transfusion prior to 1992 or clotting factors before 1987. You are at risk if you work with contaminated blood or are exposed to blood.
Chronic dialysis is also a risk factor.
Although the likelihood of infection from sexual contact is low, it is possible. Practicing good hygiene and safer sexual behaviors is a good first step. Don't ever shoot drugs. If you are a healthcare worker, always follow barrier protection recommendations and handle sharps with care. Consider the potential health risks of tattooing and body piercing, if done by a practitioner who could be using tools contaminated by someone else's blood or who doesn't wash their hands.