It is important to realize that not all people with Hepatitis C are or have been drug users. Another method of transmission is through transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products prior to 1992. However, since the development of sensitive screening tests, the rate of transfusion related hepatitis C infection has dropped to about 1 infection per 100,000 transfusions. Sexual transmission may occur but is uncommon. Transmission from infected mothers to their babies may also occur, but the risk is low.
Transmission occurs when contact is made with the blood of an infected person.
Sharing of needles and other drug paraphernalia is a major source of transmission. Receiving infected blood through a transfusion or infected organs during a transplant can also spread the infection. For this reason, people are screened very thoroughly prior to donation of blood or organs. People with hepatitis C should not share razors or toothbrushes with anyone. As a courtesy, persons with hepatitis C should notify any health care professional that may come in contact with their blood, that they have hepatitis C. Even though sexual transmission is rare, sexual partners should be notified and safe sex should be practiced if there are multiple sex partners.