Have You Been Exposed?
CDC recommends everyone at risk and those 18 or older get a one-time test for hepatitis C.
The hepatitis C virus was first identified in 1989; a test to detect exposure to HCV became available in1992. The hepatitis C virus is very easily transmitted by contact with infected blood. Anyone who received a blood transfusion or other blood products prior to 1992 may have unknowingly been exposed to HCV and should be tested.
If the risk fits, Get tested!
Are you at Risk?
- born from 1945- 1965
- blood transfusion, blood products (plasma, immune globulin, platelets, etc.) or organ transplant from infected donor, especially prior to 1992
- injecting drug use and other shared drug paraphernalia
- exposure to others’ blood through shared needles or drug paraphernalia (even many years ago and even if it was only once) may be the source of hepatitis C infection.
- exposure to infected blood through occupation, manicures, pedicures, piercings, tattoos, sports, sharing personal care items (razors, toothbrushes, etc.)
- unsterile medical injections or poorly sterilized medical equipment
-Although most medical facilities go to great lengths to be sure all equipment is sterilized, there have been reported cases of hepatitis C traced back to the use of reused or incompletely sterilized medical equipment. - birth to an HCV-infected mother
-The risk of transmission from a mother with hepatitis C to her baby is approximately 5-10%. The risk is higher if the mother is also infected with HIV. The risk of transmission from mother to baby is not affected by the delivery method. - sex with infected partner
-This is an uncommon route of transmitting the hepatitis C virus, especially among long-term monogamous couples. The risk of sexual transmission is increased among people with multiple sexual partners, and when sexual practices result in blood-to-blood exposure. - combat exposure
- incarceration
No one is immune to hepatitis C.
Check out our “Have You been Exposed?” Flyer!
