![]() It's not thought that the virus can be passed on by a mother to her baby in her breast milk. There is a small chance that a mother who is infected with the hepatitis C virus will pass the infection on to her baby. However, most tattoo and body piercing parlours in the UK operate to high standards and are regulated by law, so this risk is low. There is a risk that hepatitis C may be passed on by using tattooing or body piercing equipment that has not been properly sterilised. However, most salons operate to high standards, so this risk is low. There's a potential risk that hepatitis C may be passed on through sharing items such as toothbrushes, razors and scissors, as they can become contaminated with infected blood.Įquipment used by hairdressers, such as scissors and clippers, can pose a risk if it has been contaminated with infected blood and not sterilised or cleaned between customers. Sharing toothbrushes, scissors and razors The virus can survive in traces of blood left on equipment. If you have a blood transfusion or medical or dental treatment overseas where medical equipment is not sterilised properly, you may become infected with hepatitis C. If you received blood transfusions or blood products before this date, there's a small chance you may have been infected with hepatitis C. Since September 1991, all blood donated in the UK is checked for the hepatitis C virus. If your partner has hepatitis C, you should be tested for the condition. However, as the risk is very low for couples in a long-term relationship, many choose not to use a condom. ![]() The best way to prevent transmission of hepatitis C through sex is to use a male condom or female condom. The risk is also increased if there are genital sores or ulcers from a sexually transmitted infection, or if either person also has HIV. The risk of transmission through sex may be higher among men who have sex with men. Hepatitis C may be transmitted during sex without using a condom (unprotected sex), although this risk is considered very low. ![]() It's also possible to get the infection by sharing other equipment used to prepare or take drugs – such as spoons, filters, pipes and straws – that have been contaminated with infected blood. Injecting yourself with just one contaminated needle may be enough to become infected. The infection can be spread by sharing needles and associated equipment. It's estimated around half of the people in the UK who inject drugs have been infected with the virus. People who inject drugs, including illegal recreational drugs and performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids, are at the highest risk of becoming infected with hepatitis C.Īlmost 90% of hepatitis C cases in the UK occur in people who inject drugs or have injected them in the past. The main ways you can become infected with the hepatitis C virus are described here. Other bodily fluids can also contain the virus, but blood contains the highest level of it. Just a small trace of blood can cause an infection.Īt room temperature, it's thought the virus may be able survive outside the body in patches of dried blood on surfaces for up to several weeks. You can become infected with hepatitis C if you come into contact with the blood of an infected person. ![]()
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