How is hepatitis C generally transmitted?
Disease description:
Recently, a colleague of mine was diagnosed with hepatitis C after a medical checkup, so we are quite concerned and would like to understand through which routes hepatitis C is generally transmitted.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Hepatitis C can generally be transmitted through various routes, mainly including:
1. Bloodborne transmission: This is the primary route of hepatitis C transmission. Direct contact with the blood of an infected individual, such as through sharing needles or syringes, or via blood transfusions, blood products, or organ transplants, may lead to transmission of the hepatitis C virus.
2. Sexual transmission: Although the risk of sexual transmission of hepatitis C is relatively low, unprotected sexual activity or having multiple sexual partners may still pose a potential transmission risk.
3. Mother-to-child transmission: When a pregnant woman carries the hepatitis C virus, she may transmit it to her fetus during childbirth through the birth canal, or through breast milk during lactation.
4. Healthcare-related transmission: During medical procedures such as surgery, injections, or hemodialysis, if unsterile instruments are used or procedures are improperly performed, hepatitis C virus transmission may also occur.
