Risk Factors

Learn About the Factors that put you at risk for getting hepatitis C

Because hepatitis C is spread from person to person through exposure to HCV-infected blood, activities that increase your chance of exposure are considered risk factors.

Common Risk Factors

IV Drug Use. Those who inject drugs are at high risk for getting hepatitis C because they may be sharing needles and other drug paraphernalia, which may be contaminated with HCV-infected blood. In fact, it is estimated that 50% to 80% of all IV drug users have hepatitis C infection.¹

Blood transfusion, organ transplant or receipt of clotting factor before 1992.Those who have had a blood transfusion, or organ transplant before 1992, and hemophiliacs who have received clotting factor before that time are at risk because there were not adequate tests for hepatitis C before that year. Today, however, the risk of getting hepatitis C from a blood transfusion is almost zero.

Tattoos and Piercings. Studies have shown that there is a higher risk of becoming infecting with hepatitis C among people with tattoos and piercings. Unsterilized needles and other equipment, as well as contaminated pigments, can be the source of this blood-borne infection.^{2, 3}

Needlestick Injuries. Mostly applicable to healthcare workers, but also a possibility for anyone who works with at-risk populations, getting accidentally stuck with a needle that has been contaminated with the hepatitis C virus presents a risk for getting the disease. Following appropriate sharps safety procedures can limit this type of exposure.⁴

High-risk sexual practices or multiple partners. Although hepatitis C is not easily spread through sexual intercourse, high-risk sexual behavior, especially having multiple sexual partners, is associated with an increased risk of getting hepatitis C.

Patients on hemodialysis. There is some evidence of transmission of the hepatitis C virus among patients treated in the same dialysis unit. This is probably due to cross-contamination from supplies and surfaces as a result of improper infection control procedures.^5,6

If you think you might be at risk for being infected with hepatitis C, take a few moments to answer our hepatitis C risk assessment questionnaire. You can turn to The Be In Charge® Program for a vast amount of additional information and support as you manage your hepatitis C treatment. Sign up now for this tremendous support tool.

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