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Transmission + Prevention Of Hepatitis C

Transmission of hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is transmitted only by blood to blood contact
Reinfection with different strains or genotypes of hepatitis C can occur
Hepatitis C can be transmitted by sharing personal items that could have blood on them (e.g. razors, toothbrushes, nail scissors, sex toys)
Sexual transmission can occur where there is contact with blood during sexual activity, even if it is only microscopic particles of blood (e.g. anal sex, sex toys, fisting)
When injecting drugs, hepatitis C can be transmitted by sharing needles and other injecting equipment, including spoons, tourniquets and filters
Hepatitis C can be transmitted by unsterile tattooing or skin piercing procedures
Blood transfusions (this may have occurred in Australia prior to 1990)
Unsterilised medical procedures involving contaminated instruments
Hepatitis C can pass to the baby of a woman with hepatitis C during pregnancy or birth. The risk is higher if the mother has recently been infected or has HIV co-infection
Hepatitis C is not spread by casual contact such as hugging, sharing food or cutlery, or used towels. It does not seem to be passed on via breast milk, unless it is contaminated with blood.

If you have hepatitis C

Do not donate blood, sperm or organs
Do not share any injecting equipment. Hands should be washed thoroughly before and after injecting
Use condoms for sex
Use condoms on sex toys and change condoms if sex toys are shared
Use latex gloves for fisting
Wash hands and toys and change condoms and gloves when moving from arse to arse
Be careful that others are not exposed to even tiny amounts of your blood
Clean up blood spills with paper towels and clean thoroughly with detergent and water until no obvious stains are left. Large spills on carpet may need to be shampooed or steam-cleaned
Cover any wounds with a waterproof bandage.

Prevention

The best way to prevent hepatitis C infection is to avoid being exposed to infected blood. HIV can increase levels of hepatitis C in the blood. There is some evidence that HIV may increase the risk of hepatitis C being transmitted sexually under specific circumstances.

Sexual transmission of hepatitis C is a controversial subject, but it can occur through close contact with even microscopic particles of infected blood on fingers, cocks, hands and sex toys. Sex that increases the risk of injury to the lining of the anus (arse) or vagina, such as fisting and sharing sex toys, may increase the risk of transmission of hepatitis C.