Risk Factors

The hepatitis B virus is spread through direct contact with infected blood as well as most major body fluids, including blood, semen, sweat, tears and breast milk. The hepatitis C virus is spread through direct contact with infected blood. Very rarely it may be passed on through other body fluids.

Many people do not have any symptoms if they contract hepatitis B or C, although they can still transmit the viruses to others. The most common routes of infection are:

• Blood transfusions and receiving blood products before screening was introduced
• Medical or dental interventions without adequate sterilisation of equipment
• Mother to infant during childbirth
• Sharing equipment for injecting drugs
• Sharing straws, notes etc. for snorting cocaine
• Sharing razors, toothbrushes or other household articles
• Tattooing and body piercing if done using unsterilised equipment

In the case of hepatitis B, infection can also occur through having unprotected sex with an infected person. If you think you could be at risk from either hepatitis B or C it is important to get tested.