How Hepatitis C Spreads

Needlestick Injuries in Healthcare

Nurses and physicians, and other technicians who routinely use needles while providing medical care, are at risk for needlestick injuries. In fact, it's estimated that more than 600,000 needlestick injuries happen each year, with nurses being at most risk. An average of about 2 percent of needlestick injuries where there has been exposure to the virus will result in acute hepatitis C.

Blood Transfusion

In the past, blood transfusion was a common way hepatitis C was spread. People who had hemophilia or thalassemia (or some other disease requiring multiple transfusions) were especially at risk for exposure. However, now it is very rare because donated blood is tested for HCV antibodies and also HCV genetic material. Experts believe that your chances today of getting hepatitis C from a blood transfusion is about one in 2 million.

Mother-Infant Transmission

Since only about 4 percent of infants born to mothers with hepatitis C will be infected with the virus, this type of spread (known as vertical spread) is relatively uncommon. However, the risk nearly doubles if the mother is co-infected with HIV. Also, the chance of spreading HCV at birth is probably more likely if the mother has a higher viral load at the time of delivery.