Hep C is the name given to a contagious infection of the liver that occurs due to the hepatitis C virus. The infection gives rise to severe swelling along the liver leading to its damage. The disease is categorized into two forms, namely acute and chronic, with acute being a short-term infection that can stay up to 6 months and chronic being a life-long infection leading to serious liver diseases like liver cancer or cirrhosis.

Here’s is an overview of the causes of hepatitis C and the ways it gets transmitted.

1. Infected blood and needles
Hepatitis C infection attacks a human body when contaminated blood gets transfused into another person’s body. This can occur as a result of sharing infected syringes or needles or other types of equipment used while taking recreational substances. Additionally, it can also get transmitted through unsterilized dental and medical equipment. Furthermore, exposure to unsterilized tattoos and equipment used for body piercing can even lead to the attack of the disease. Moreover, the disease can also get transmitted through razor blades or toothbrush that contains contaminated blood. Even straws and papers used for snorting drugs can cause the virus to pass on.

2. Unprotected sexual contact
Hepatitis C infection can even affect individuals when they indulge in unprotected sex with an infected person. This is particularly seen among people who experience anal sex or indulge in rough sex that causes cuts and tears. Additionally, the sharing of unsterilized sex toys can also cause infection. Moreover, the threat of having hep C accelerates when the body is already dealing with a sexually transmitted infection like HIV.

3. Born with the disease
The likelihood of having the infection becomes more dominant in a child when the mother suffers from the disease during pregnancy. This occurs as a result of poor sexual practices, leading to exposure of blood. However, breastfeeding is allowed and considered safe for these mothers.

4. Kidney Dialysis
Patients who undertake regular kidney dialysis are more vulnerable to getting infected with the hepatitis C   virus due to sharing medical equipment across hemodialysis units.

5. Needlestick injury
Healthcare workers, including dentists, anesthetists, and nurses, are at greater risk of getting a hep C infection when they accidentally get in contact with needle equipment or puncture their skin with it. This can happen at any time, while using or while discarding the needles.

Patients suffering from acute hepatitis C infection may not require any kind of treatment and can get cured through their immune system. However, when the infection becomes chronic, it requires taking a combination of antivirals to prevent further damage of the liver and relieve the symptoms associated with the disease.