Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) spreads primarily by contact with blood and blood products. The main causes of the spread of HCV are blood transfusions and the sharing of used needles and syringes. It can transmit from infected mother to child during pregnancy, unprotected sex, tattooing and body piercing. We will discuss various other risk factors that might lead to contracting Hepatitis C infection. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and prevent serious liver damage.
What are the risk factors of contracting Hepatitis C?
Certain groups of people are more at risk of contracting Hepatitis C than others. These groups include people who abuse drugs are the most common risk group for Hepatitis C, particularly for those who have shared needles, syringes, or other instruments. Moreover, recipients of blood transfusions and organ transplants before 1992 also carries the risk. As prior to the implementation of screening for Hepatitis C, there were no virus tests for blood and organ donations. Bed ridden patients who have had exposure to unsterilized medical equipment during hemodialysis or other medical procedures are vulnerable. Accidental needle sticks or other exposure to infected blood can put healthcare workers at risk.
Getting a tattoo carries a risk of developing an infection, especially if the tattoo artist doesn’t use strict safety procedures. Although the risk of sexual transmission is lower, having multiple sexual partners or engaging in unprotected sex with someone who has Hepatitis C can increase the risk. There is a minor risk of mother-to-child transmission during childbirth. People living with HIV can increase the risk of Hepatitis C and make the treatment more challenging. There may be higher rates of infection in detained prisoners due to drug use, tattooing, or close contact with others who may have the virus.
Is Hepatitis C infection sexually transmitted?
Although uncommon, Hepatitis C can transmit through unprotected sexual activity. Being in close daily contact with an infected spouse or partner puts you at risk of having a sexually transmitted infection, having sex with multiple partners, having rough sex that could cause tears or fissures and engaging in unnatural unprotected sex increase a person’s risk for Hepatitis C. Men who have sex with another man that too with multiple sex partners coinfected with HCV and HIV can be carrier to transmit Hepatitis C. Poor nutrition makes you prone to such viral infections. Sex without condoms while menstruating can also put you at risk of getting sexually transmitted viral infections like HCV and HIV. CDC recommends one-time Hepatitis C testing of all adults (18 years and older) and regular testing for people with risk factors.
How can you protect yourself from HCV infection?
The best way to prevent the disease is to avoid contact with the virus. In line with the WHO’s recommendation, healthcare professionals are more likely to contract the hepatitis C virus, more cautions are necessary. People at higher risk include those who abuse drugs, men who have sex with men, and those living with HIV who call for strategic preventative measures at the authority level. Its important to mention that there is no effective vaccine against hepatitis C available as of now. Few methods to prevent hepatitis C include safe and appropriate use of healthcare injections, safe handling and disposal of needles and medical waste, harm-reduction services for people who inject drugs, such as needle exchange programmes, substance use counselling, testing of donated blood for the hepatitis C virus and other viruses, training of health personnel against needle stick injuries, and utilising barrier techniques for safe sex, like condoms.
On a final note, this study demonstrates that the risk of HCV infection is multifactorial. In line with the WHO’s recommendation to enhance strategies to find undiagnosed infected persons, national screening activities should give greater attention especially to aforementioned groups. It’s important to go for a test for individuals who believe they may be at risk for Hepatitis C and discuss their risk factors with a healthcare provider.
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