Is hepatitis C contagious?

Hepatitis C is highly contagious and can be transmitted to others. The primary mode of transmission is through blood exposure—for example, sharing razors or syringes with an individual infected with hepatitis C, or receiving contaminated blood transfusions. Sexual contact and mother-to-child (perinatal) transmission are also recognized routes of infection. However, casual daily contact—such as sharing meals or conversing—does not transmit hepatitis C. With appropriate antiviral treatment, hepatitis C infection can be cured.