Hep-C Virus in Blood

There are 5 types of hepatitis virus, identified by letters A through E. Hepatitis C is the liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), found only in the blood of persons with this disease. Hepatitis C is the most common chronic (persistent/long-term) blood-borne infection in the US. Blood-borne means it can only be transmitted by blood, not through the air or from an object like a toilet seat. This challenges questions and dispels myths about Hepatitis C.

What are the risks of contracting hepatitis viruses from intercourse using a condom? Can you contract hepatitis from kissing? What about vaginal fluid that come down to the base of the condom and touches other skin areas?

Please talk to your sexual partner if you think they had or have hepatitis and must be sure about it. It’s certainly possible that you can become infected from kissing or intercourse, depending upon the type of hepatitis. Condoms are not 100% effective, so rather than worry, you should talk with your physician immediately about the Hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis A & B are preventable through vaccination, but there’s no vaccination for hepatitis C or E. By the way, HDV only infects those with active HBV so the vaccine protects against both. Intercourse will have a different risk level with each type of viral hepatitis, but highest with HBV. HAV can be transmitted if you eat or drink something with HAV-contaminated stool or blood, or by oral-anal sex. Blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions transmit HBV & HCV. Unlike hepatitis A, which doesn’t cause long term problems, hepatitis B & C can cause chronic, serious liver diseases. Hepatitis C may be sexually transmitted, but usually only by sex with enough trauma for blood to be resent such as rough sex, rape or sexual abuse. Hepatitis D is transmitted intravenously & perhaps sexually, but it only infects those who have an active hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis E is primarily transmitted through contaminated water sources & lack of sanitation. If you’ve already been exposed to HBV you should talk to your physician because vaccination may prevent illness. It’s recommended that hepatitis B immune globulin be given with the vaccine for higher effectiveness, when you’ve been already been exposed. Latex condoms are effective prevention for HBV during vaginal, oral & anal sex. Some of the hepatitis viruses have blood tests to see if you are infected.