Hepatitis C is spread through exposure to infected blood and blood products. Tattooing, body and ear piercing Some places do not sterilise their equipment between clients, increasing the risk of contracting hepatitis C through unsterile equipment. The virus can also be spread through sharing paints and ointments which have been contaminated with blood or blood products. Always ask if the equipment is sterilised and new paints and ointments are used between clients. However, in many other countries testing is not available.
People receiving transfusions overseas are at an increased risk of becoming infected.
You cannot get this disease by donating blood. In Australia all injecting equipment for vaccinations is sterilised, however, in some countries equipment is not sterilised. In other countries hepatitis C can spread easily from person to person this way. Always use gloves when handling someone else's blood. If blood is on clothing secure the item into 2 plastic bags and throw it into the bin.