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How Is Hepatitis C Contracted?
Unclean Needles
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Hepatitis C can be contracted through any type of blood or blood products. Anytime there is blood-to-blood contact, there is a risk for contracting hepatitis or other diseases like HIV. The most common way to contract hepatitis C is through the use of needles used for tattooing, piercing or drugs. Anytime a needle is shared, there is a risk of contracting hepatitis C.
Labs
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Sometimes, hepatitis C is contracted through products used in laboratories. People using dialysis machines and receiving blood transfusions run a high risk of contracting hepatitis C. Any person receiving a blood transfusion before 1990 ran a very high risk of contracting hepatitis, because tests for hepatitis weren't given to blood donors before they donated. Now, that there is a test in place to rule out donors with hepatitis.
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Hepatitis C can also be contracted during unprotected sex. Also, sharing any type of hygiene product like a toothbrush or razor that might contain a small amount of blood could put you in danger of contracting hepatitis. Kissing or hugging a person with hepatitis will not put you at risk of contracting the disease. Hepatitis C can only be contracted through contact with blood.
eHow Article: How Is Hepatitis C Contracted?
