Is hepatitis c contagious

Is hepatitis c contagious

Some people are unaware of the deadly after effects of being infected by Hepatitis C virus or how the disease is transmitted. The most important question that comes to everyone’s mind – Is Hepatitis C contagious or not? In this situation, a hep C guide comes handy as it is beneficial in clarifying all the doubts regarding the disease.

To make it clear to all, Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that can be mild that lasts a few weeks to or severe that may take a much longer period to cure. The condition comes into being with the infection of the virus known as the hepatitis C virus. The primary mode of transmission of the virus is through a contact of the blood of an infected individual which means that a direct blood to blood contact is required for the transmission of Hepatitis C.

How is Hepatitis C Transmitted?

The transmission of Hepatitis C takes place at the time when the blood of a person infected with the hep C virus enters the bloodstream of the one who is not infected. The most common way of transmission of the disease in the recent times is the used of shared needles or syringes or any other equipment or tools used for injecting drugs where there is blood to blood contact.

A hep C guide makes people aware of the ways of transmission of the virus which in turn plays a vital role in the effective prevention of the disease. There are chances that Hepatitis C may be transmitted through sex, but the risk of the same is minimal. Use of adequate protection while having sex is recommended to eliminate the chances of transmission of the disease.

Some Misconceptions About the Transmission of Hepatitis C

Now, since it is clear that hep C is contagious, one needs to know that it does not spread like a common cold. Here are few others conditions that do not promote the transmission of Hepatitis C:

  • Having protected sex
  • Kissing
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Sharing food, drink, etc.
  • Breastfeeding (It might spread if the nipples are cracked and bleeding where there is a blood contact)

To get understand the misconceptions about the transmission of Hepatitis C, you can refer a hep C guide to understand better and stay safe.