How do you get hepatitis C?

Possible routes include sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs, medical or dental procedures with inadequately sterilised equipment, and tattooing or piercing with contaminated instruments. Transmission from a pregnant person to a baby can occur. Sexual transmission is less common but can happen, particularly when blood exposure is possible. Ordinary contact such as hugging, sharing food, coughing, or using the same toilet does not spread hepatitis C. The condition can be present without symptoms; fatigue is one possible complaint.

Arrange a GP Consultation if you may have had contact with infected blood, even if you feel well. Tell the clinician when and how the exposure occurred, and mention previous testing or treatment. They can choose the right blood tests and explain whether repeat testing is needed. Do not share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or equipment that might contain blood until you have received advice. Cover cuts and clean blood spills safely.

Seek urgent advice after a recent needle injury, blood splash to the eyes or mouth, or other significant blood exposure because early assessment may affect the testing plan. Get urgent medical help for yellow skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, or confusion. These signs require prompt assessment and are not a way to diagnose hepatitis C.

Ask which tests are appropriate, whether anyone else exposed to the blood should be tested, and how to avoid passing blood to others while you wait. Ask whether a Liver Function Test is relevant to your assessment.