The Hepatitis “C” virus is spread through contact with infected blood. Common routes of infection are given bellow:

1. Blood Transfusion:

Until the early 1990 highly reliable tests for detection of Hepatitis “C” virus in donated blood were not available, but now the risk of Hepatitis “C” transmission from blood transfusion is very rare. 

2. Recreational Injection Drug Use:

Today, recreational injection drug use (eg, sharing needles to inject heroin) is the most common cause of HCV infection in the third world, amounting for over two-thirds of all new cases. 

3. Other Blood-to-Blood Contacts:

Any other activity that involves blood-to-blood contact can also put you at risk for Hepatitis “C”. Common routes of transmission include: 

- Acupuncture, body piercing, or electrolysis with un-sterilized or improperly cleaned needles.

- Tattooing with needles that have not been sterilized or that have been dipped into contaminated ink.

- Sharing certain personal care items (eg, razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or files), and other household items that might have    blood on them. These items may come into contact with small amounts of blood that may not even be visible.

- Intranasal cocaine use through the sharing of straws or other instruments sharing straws to “snort” cocaine can lead to
   blood-to- blood contact through nasal ulcers or scrapes.

- Sexual activity that results in blood-to-blood contact between an infected and uninfected partner. 

4. Hemodialysis:

Hepatitis “C” viral infection is a common infection in hemodialysis units, according to a report by Dr. Brian J.G. Pereira of Tufts University in the January 25, 1996 edition of Family Practice News.

Dr. Pereira points to data from eight studies that indicate a 16% prevalence rate of infection in nearly 2,500 dialysis patients without a history of blood transfusion - a rate "considerably higher" than that seen in the general population.