Log in to post an entry
How is Hepatitis C transmitted?
Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood and blood products, e.g. intravenous drug use by sharing of needles and syringes; small cuts caused, for example, by razors, etc. Before the introduction of blood screening tests in 1992, hepatitis C was also transmitted by blood transfusions. It is rarely transmitted sexually, if at all. Most infected people do not notice that they have the disease as symptoms are rare. If they occur, they are unspecific and include fatigue, occasional stomach-aches and headaches.
From Roche laboratories website.
Sexual Transmission
Sexual transmission of hepatitis C between monogamous partners appears to be uncommon. Surveys of spouses and monogamous sexual partners of patients with hepatitis C show that fewer than 5 percent are infected with HCV, and many of these have other risk factors for this infection. Spread of hepatitis C to a spouse or partner in stable, monogamous relationships occurs in less than 1 percent of partners per year. For these reasons, changes in sexual practices are not recommended for monogamous patients. Testing sexual partners for anti-HCV can help with patient counseling. People with multiple sex partners should be advised to follow safe sex practices, which should protect against hepatitis C as well as hepatitis B, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases
From National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website