Routes of transmission

The hepatitis C virus is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. While the virus may also be present in other bodily fluids, such as saliva, semen, sweat, and tears, contact with blood poses the greatest risk of infection. With the start of a full-scale military invasion on February 24, 2022, the situation has worsened due to increased risks of infection among both military personnel and the civilian population. These risks include injuries, wounds, contact with blood, and limited access to medical care and prevention.

Infection most often occurs through:

• reuse or inadequate sterilization of medical instruments;
• transfusion of untested blood or blood components;
• shared use of drugs involving injection or intranasal equipment (syringes, needles, tubes, straws).
  

Infection is also possible through:

• during unprotected sex involving trauma and contact with blood;
• through the sharing of personal hygiene items that may have blood on them (razors, manicure tools, toothbrushes);
• in the event of accidental needle stick injuries (occupational hazard for healthcare workers);
• during mother-to-child transmission of the virus during childbirth.
  

Sexual transmission and mother-to-child transmission occur less frequently than transmission through blood. The risk of sexual transmission increases with multiple sexual partners.

 At the same time, it is important to know: hepatitis C is not transmitted through everyday contact—hugs, handshakes, sharing utensils, or kissing without contact with blood. Awareness, annual testing, and safe behavior are key to protection.

We’re here to help you navigate these steps calmly and clearly—from testing to the next steps.