Hepatitis C: Blood-Borne Transmission, Testing, and Cure
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is primarily blood-borne. It should not be described as a routine STI or as spreading “the same way as HIV” in every respect.
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Contents
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is primarily blood-borne. It should not be described as a routine STI or as spreading “the same way as HIV” in every respect. Sexual transmission can occur, with higher risk when blood, mucosal injury, another STI, or particular sexual networks are involved.
Important Routes
- Shared needles, syringes, or drug-preparation equipment.
- Unsterile tattoo, piercing, or medical equipment.
- Blood products where effective screening was unavailable.
- Transmission during pregnancy or birth in some cases.
Testing
Testing usually begins with an HCV antibody test and confirms current infection with HCV RNA. A positive antibody result can reflect a past infection that has cleared. A recent exposure may require RNA testing or repeat testing at the appropriate time.
Treatment
Oral direct-acting antivirals cure more than 95% of people, and many regimens take about 8–12 weeks. Selection depends on liver and kidney function, other medicines, and treatment history. Cure does not create immunity, so reinfection is possible.
Prevention
There is no HCV vaccine. Use sterile injection and sharp equipment, do not share razors or toothbrushes that may contain blood, and use condoms when blood exposure or higher sexual risk is possible. People with HCV should be assessed for hepatitis A and B vaccination if not immune.
Verified references
Links and relevance to the article’s main topic were reviewed on 13 August 2026. Each source supports only the scope stated in the original document and does not replace personalised medical, legal, or service advice.
- WHO: Hepatitis C fact sheet Accessed 13 August 2026
