Between 20 and 30 percent of people infected with HCV develop symptoms of acute hepatitis C. But in many cases of acute hepatitis C, people do not develop any symptoms. About three-quarters of people with HCV will develop complications, including a chronic HCV infection that can last a lifetime. Hepatitis C is less transmissible than A and B because you mainly get it through blood contact, though it can be spread through sexual contact. But unlike A and B, there is no vaccine for C, though research is underway. The hepatitis C death rate has been in decline since 2014, according to the CDC. However, the number of acute cases of hepatitis C has been steadily increasing, so it’s important to stay vigilant. While some acute infections of hepatitis C spontaneously clear on their own, prior infection does not protect against a future infection with the same or a different strain of the virus. There are six primary strains, or genotypes, of the hepatitis C virus, and each responds to different medications. (4) The risk of contracting HCV in this manner is now less than one chance per two million units transfused, according to the CDC. (4) But former transfusion practices are likely one reason why hepatitis C disproportionately affects baby boomers, who received blood transfusions before better screening was implemented. People born between 1945 and 1965 make up about three-quarters of the 3.5 million Americans with hepatitis C. (3) Today the most common way that hepatitis is spread is through the sharing of needles and other equipment for drug use. From 2008 to 2018, the CDC reported that 20- to 29-year-olds had the highest number of new infections. This is seen as a result of the increased use of IV drugs connected to the opioid epidemic in the United States. (3) The CDC also notes that infections are rising among women of childbearing age. While the virus is not always transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby, it is possible: About 6 infants in 100 born to mothers with the virus are infected. (4)
Needlestick injuries in hospitals and clinicsThe use of unsterile medical equipment, especially needles and syringes, in a healthcare settingThe use of unsterile instruments for tattoos and piercingsSharing personal care items (such as razors and toothbrushes) that have come into contact with HCV-infected bloodUnprotected sex
The CDC notes that the virus can survive for up to three weeks outside the body at room temperature on environmental surfaces. To clean up blood spills, use a solution of water and bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and wear gloves (dried blood, too, can be infectious). (4) Aside from unsafe sexual activity, there are several other factors that increase your risk of getting hepatitis C, including if you:
Use intravenous drugs now or have used them in the pastReceived a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992, when better hepatitis C testing became availableReceived a clotting factor concentrate, which helps blood clot properly, made before 1987, when more advanced manufacturing methods were developedEver underwent long-term hemodialysis treatmentWere born to an HCV-positive mother (about 6 percent of infants born to HCV-positive mothers become infected with the virus, according to the CDC) (4)Have tattoos or piercings, particularly those done with unsterile equipment or at unregulated facilitiesAre a healthcare worker who has ever been injured by a needlestick at work
About 25 percent of people with HIV also have hepatitis C. (7) Moreover, mothers with both HIV and HCV are more likely to pass on HCV to their infants at birth than mothers without HIV. (4)
Breast milkFood or waterCasual contact with an HCV-infected person, such as hugging, holding hands, or kissing (saliva does not transmit HCV)Being coughed or sneezed onSharing food, drinks, or eating utensilsVia mosquitoes or other insects (4)
Additional reporting by Deborah Shapiro.
