Just wondering if Hep C is sexually transmittable? Never hear it mentioned in the forum. Just curious.
Hi flipperdipper
Thanks for bringing up the topic. In Canada hepatitis C is a common infection within certain groups.
The virus is usually spread by direct contact with the blood of an infected person.
The most common way that this happens is by.
• Sharing drug snorting or injection equipment such as needles and syringes.
• Accidentally poking yourself with a used needle and syringe.
• Having received a transfusion of blood or blood product in a country where the blood supply is not tested for hepatitis C.
It is possible that hepatitis C can be transmitted by sex but the risk is low. If there was blood present (e.g. lady having her period or rough sex) the risk would increase.
Condoms would really reduce the risk of hepatitis C being transmitted by sex. Also be careful not to share any item that may have blood on it e.g. Razors, toothbrushes etc…
Here is some information about hepatitis C from our new BCCDC website.
http://www.bccdc.ca/dis-cond/a-z/_h/HepatitisC/overview/default.htm
HN
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