STIs 3: Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids.
The most common route of transmission of hepatitis C is injection drug use. Transmission through sexual contact is less common (occurring in approximately 5 to 15% of those infected).
The infection can be spread by other means, such as blood transfusion; intranasal cocaine use with shared straws; shared items, such as razors and toothbrushes; needlestick injuries; or use of unsterilized tattooing needles, skin-cutting tools, or surgical equipment.
Many men and women who have this infection have no symptoms, but they can still pass the infection to others.

There is no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C, and there is no cure. However, some treatments can reduce the damage caused by the virus.
Many people (50 to 80%) infected with the virus become chronic hepatitis C carriers.
Hepatitis C can gradually lead to cirrhosis of the liver. In a number of those infected with chronic hepatitis C, the infection can lead to liver failure or liver cancer.
In pregnant women, there is a small chance that hepatitis C can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy or delivery. It is believed that the virus is not transmitted to a baby during breastfeeding.

Infected clients should refrain from donating blood, body organs, other tissue, or sperm and from sharing any items that might come into contact with blood (such as needles, razors, and toothbrushes).
An infected client should use a male or female condom during anal, oral, or vaginal sex.