How Is Hepatitis C Spread?
- From: Thoysan@xxxxxxxxx
- Date: 26 Jul 2005 21:06:47 -0700
From: http://www.pegasys.com/basics/spread.asp
How Is Hepatitis C Spread?
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread through contact with infected
blood. Common routes of infection include blood transfusions before
1992, needlestick accidents among healthcare workers, and use of
recreational injection drugs (eg, sharing needles). Each of these
routes of transmission is discussed in further detail below. HCV is not
spread through casual contact such as hugging, sneezing, coughing, or
sitting next to someone.
To determine if you may be at risk for hepatitis C, see Are You At
Risk? For information on preventing the spread of the virus, see
Preventing Transmission.
Blood Transfusions
Until the early 1990s, highly reliable tests for detecting hepatitis C
virus in donated blood were not available. Therefore, anyone who
received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before 1992 may
be at increased risk. Certain medical conditions and procedures that
required a large amount of donated blood or blood products may have
further increased this risk. However, the risk of hepatitis C
transmission from a recent (post-1992) blood transfusion is very rare.
Because hepatitis C may take decades to progress, anyone who received
donated blood or blood products prior to 1992 should speak with a
healthcare professional about getting tested even if no symptoms are
apparent.
Needlestick Accidents Among Healthcare Workers
Needlestick injuries can occur from handling hypodermic needles, blood
collection needles, and needles used to connect intravenous (IV)
delivery systems. These accidents typically happen when workers are
recapping needles, transferring body fluids from one container to
another, or when they do not dispose of used needles properly.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH), nurses report the greatest number of needlestick injuries,
although physicians, laboratory staff, housekeepers, and other
healthcare workers are also at risk for an injury.
Although healthcare workers are at increased risk of HCV transmission
due to needlestick injuries, the virus was transmitted to only 1.8% of
those who had a work-related needlestick injury.
Recreational Injection Drug Use
Today, recreational injection drug use (eg, sharing needles to inject
heroin) is the most common cause of HCV infection in the United States,
accounting for over two-thirds of all new cases.
Although repeated use of drugs significantly increases a person's
chances of getting hepatitis C, many people become infected through
occasional experimentation with injection drugs, or even one-time use
many years ago. Therefore, if you have ever tried recreational
injection drugs, even once many years ago, you are at increased risk
for hepatitis C and should speak with a healthcare professional about
getting tested.
Other Blood-to-Blood Contact
Any other activity that involves blood-to-blood contact can also put
you at risk for hepatitis C. Common routes of transmission include:
Acupuncture, body piercing, or electrolysis with unsterilized or
improperly cleaned needles.
Tattooing with needles that have not been sterilized or that have been
dipped into contaminated ink.
Sharing certain personal care items (eg, razors, toothbrushes, nail
clippers or files), and other household items that might have blood on
them. These items may come into contact with small amounts of blood
that may not even be visible.
Intranasal cocaine use through the sharing of straws or other
instruments-sharing straws to "snort" cocaine can lead to
blood-to-blood contact through nasal ulcers or scrapes.
Sexual activity that results in blood-to-blood contact between an
infected and uninfected partner (eg, through an open sore).
While hepatitis C is not often spread through sexual activity, research
has shown that the risk of sexual transmission is greater among people
who engage in anal sex and anyone with multiple partners. Individuals
in these groups may want to consider practicing safe sex.
Although rare, hepatitis C can be also passed from mother to child
during birth and delivery. Most studies estimate that the risk is up to
8%. Breast-feeding has not been linked to the spread of hepatitis C. If
you or your partner has hepatitis C and are pregnant or planning to
start a family, speak with your healthcare professional about
precautions you should take.
While the causes mentioned account for most HCV infections, about 10%
of people with hepatitis C do not know how they contracted the virus.
These infections are called sporadic or community-acquired infections.
They may be transmitted through unnoticed or forgotten exposure to
cuts, wounds, or medical procedures.
Preventing Transmission
If you have hepatitis C, it is important to know what to do to avoid
transmitting the virus to others. The following tips offer specific
steps you can take to help stop the spread of the virus.
Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal care items that
might have your blood on them. These items may come into contact with
small amounts of blood that may not even be visible. Therefore, it is
important that you do not share personal care items with other people.
Explain the importance of not sharing these items with the other
members of your household.
Cover your cuts and open sores. This will protect others from
accidentally coming into contact with your blood.
Advise anyone who could come into contact with your blood-such as
your sexual partner, doctor, or dentist-that you are, or might be,
infected with HCV. These people can then take precautions to avoid
contact with your blood.
Carefully dispose of any bloodstained items (eg, tissues, cotton swabs,
tampons, sanitary napkins) and wipe up all blood spills with bleach.
Do not donate blood, organs, bone marrow, eggs, or semen.
If you are regularly exposed to blood or blood products through your
work, it is important to practice "universal precautions," a set of
guidelines established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
If you have come into contact with HCV-infected blood, you should make
an appointment for a blood test to determine whether you have the
virus.
If you are already infected with hepatitis C, it is important to know
that treatments such as PEGASYS are available. Talk to your doctor
about your treatment options.
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