The hepatitis C virus is found in blood and is passed on when infected blood gets into another person’s blood stream. It is seen as unlikely (but not impossible) that it can be passed on in semen.
Most people get the virus from sharing drug injecting equipment such as needles, syringes, spoons, filters and swabs. Sharing things like straws and bank notes which are used for snorting drugs might pass the virus on.
In the UK piercing and tattooing should be safe but abroad unsterilised equipment can spread the virus.
Blood transfusions in the UK are safe as blood is screened.
Hepatitis C isn’t often passed on during sex between a man and a woman but is more likely during sex between men.
An infected person risks infecting others if they share anything that might have blood on it like toothbrushes or razors.
Hepatitis C is also passed on during any sex between men which involves contact with blood such as:
• anal sex without condoms
• fisting without gloves
• rimming.
The virus can spread during group sex when objects like dildos or enema/douching equipment are moved from one man’s anus to another. Even a condom-covered penis or a hand wearing a latex glove will spread the virus this way unless a new condom or glove is used with each new man.
The virus is much more likely to be found in men with HIV than in HIV negative men.
Protect yourself and others
There is no vaccination against hepatitis C. The risk of infection is reduced by not sharing injecting drug equipment (eg, needles, syringes, swabs, spoons, filters) or things that may have blood on them such as toothbrushes and razors.
The risk of contact with blood during sex can be reduced by using condoms for anal sex and not putting anything inside one man’s anus then into another’s unless it is covered with a fresh condom or glove for each man. Avoid sharing enema or douching equipment or dildos. If you have hepatitis C you shouldn’t give blood or be an organ donor.
If you are a ‘carrier’ you may want to tell a partner and explain you are infectious. They can then decide if they are happy to take any risk and want to take precautions. That way they cannot accuse you of infecting them without them knowing the risk was there.