Who's at Risk for HCV Exposure?
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood. The most common transmission route is sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs. Other risk factors include receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before July 1992, undergoing hemodialysis, having HIV, or experiencing needle-stick injuries in healthcare settings. Infants born to mothers with HCV are also at risk. While less common, HCV can spread through unregulated tattoos or piercings and, rarely, through sexual contact.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults get tested for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime, and that all pregnant women be tested during each pregnancy. People with ongoing risk factors, such as injection drug use, should be tested regularly. Early detection is crucial, as many people with hepatitis C do not exhibit symptoms until serious liver damage has occurred. Fortunately, hepatitis C is curable with oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications, which have a success rate exceeding 95% and typically involve an 8–12 week treatment course. If you believe you’re at risk, consult a healthcare provider about getting tested and, if necessary, starting treatment.