The disease can be passed from person to person. As with many infections, HCV lives in blood and bodily fluids. It can also be transmitted by contact with bodily fluids including saliva or semen of an infected person, but this is rare. Researchers in one study found that 1 out of every , instances of heterosexual sexual contact led to HCV transmission. Participants in the study were in monogamous sexual relationships. HCV may be more likely to spread through sexual contact if you:.

Back to Hepatitis C. Other bodily fluids can also contain the virus, but blood contains the highest level of it. Just a small trace of blood can cause an infection. The infection can be spread by sharing needles and associated equipment. Injecting yourself with just one contaminated needle may be enough to become infected. Hepatitis C may be transmitted during sex without using a condom unprotected sex , although this risk is considered very low.

Some people who get HCV have it for a short time up to six months and then get better on their own. This is called acute Hepatitis C. Whereas Hepatitis A generally gives rise to acute hepatitis, Hepatitis C results in chronic hepatitis in most patients. In order to understand your Hepatitis C infection, it helps to have a basic understanding of how your liver works.

Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur from any sexual activity with an infected person and is not limited to fecal-oral contact. Measures typically used to prevent the transmission of other STDs e. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing Hepatitis A transmission among persons at risk for infection. Sexually active adults are not considered at risk for hepatitis A unless they live with or are having sex with an infected person, inject drugs or have chronic liver disease.