What are the transmission routes of hepatitis C?
Disease description:
Taking my child to get the hepatitis C vaccine, I started wondering: how exactly is hepatitis C transmitted?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Hepatitis C (HCV) is primarily transmitted through the following routes:
1. Bloodborne transmission: This is the most common mode of transmission, including the use of inadequately sterilized or unsterilized syringes and needles, such as through sharing needles for drug injection, unsafe medical procedures, including dental treatments, surgery, and blood products.
2. Tattooing and piercing: Performing tattoos, piercings, or other forms of body modification in unregulated settings may also lead to HCV transmission if the equipment is not properly sterilized.
3. Mother-to-child transmission: If a pregnant woman has hepatitis C, she may transmit the virus to her newborn during childbirth, although the probability is relatively low.
4. Sexual transmission: Although less common, the risk of HCV transmission increases among individuals engaging in sexual activity, particularly those with multiple partners or high-risk sexual behaviors.
If infection is a concern, regular hepatitis C screening should be performed, especially for individuals with a history of risk exposure. Early detection and treatment of hepatitis C can significantly improve prognosis.
