How is Hepatitis C Spread?

Hepatitis C is spread when the blood from an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected.  Today, most people become infected by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs.  Before 1992, when screening all donated blood and organs for Hepatitis C became standard in the United States, the disease was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

What are Ways Hepatitis C is Not Spread?

Because Hepatitis C is spread only through exposure to an infected person’s blood, you cannot get, or give, Hepatitis C by:

• Kissing
• Hugging
• Holding hands
• Casual contact
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Sharing eating utensils
• Sharing food or drink
• Breastfeeding (unless nipples are cracked and bleeding)