There is a very real risk of contracting Hepatitis C in workplaces where the contact with blood is a frequent occurrence. The symptoms of acute infection of Hepatitis C range from the usual 'flu-like' symptoms to jaundice and severe lethargy and inflammation of the liver. The main cause of spread of the Hepatitis C virus is blood contact with infected blood. The most common risk factor is intravenous drug use with contaminated needles. Other sources of transmission include blood transfusions, tattooing and occupational exposure.
Transmission is more likely to occur when the carrier has been recently infected.
In the police work environment, blood-blood contact may occur in the normal course of operational duties. Police are particularly at risk of needle stick injury, assaults, bites and exposure to blood whilst attending accidents. Compared to the AIDS virus and Hepatitis B, the sexual spread of Hepatitis C appears to be quite rare. The risk increases with unprotected anal sex. Hepatitis C may occasionally be transmitted by household contact including sharing of food, drink, utensils, razors, toothbrushes and cigarettes although there is no proven route of infection.