What is hepatitis C transmitted by?

Possible routes include sharing needles or other injecting equipment, accidental needlestick injuries, unsterile tattooing or piercing equipment, and sharing razors or toothbrushes that carry blood. Transmission from a pregnant person to a baby can occur. Sexual transmission is possible when sexual activity involves blood, although ordinary sexual contact is not the main route.

Hepatitis C is not spread by sharing meals, hugging, coughing, or using the same toilet. A person may have no symptoms; when symptoms occur, fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or yellow skin can be present.

Do not share needles, syringes, razors, toothbrushes, nail tools, or sex toys that could carry blood. Choose regulated tattoo and piercing services that use sterile, single-use equipment. Clean blood spills with suitable protective measures, and cover open cuts.

If you may have been exposed, arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) to discuss test timing. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) can assess liver health but does not alone diagnose hepatitis C.

Seek prompt advice after a needlestick, shared injecting equipment, or contact between another person’s blood and broken skin, eyes, or mouth. Get urgent medical help for yellowing skin, confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or sudden deterioration.

Ask what exposure occurred, which tests are needed, when to take them, whether repeat testing is required, and how to protect household or sexual contacts while you wait for results.