Causes of Hepatitis C 
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease. The main source of infection is from blood from an infected person.
-- Most cases are caused by using contaminated needles or injecting equipment (spoons, syringes, filters, water for injection, etc) to inject drugs ('sharing needles'). Even a tiny amount of an infected person's blood left on a needle is enough to cause spread to others.

-- Some people who received blood transfusions or blood prior to 1991 were infected with hepatitis C from some donor blood. Since 1991 all blood and blood products donated in the UK are screened for the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

-- There is also a risk of contracting hepatitis C from needlestick accidents, or other injuries involving blood spillage from infected people.

-- There is a small risk of contracting the virus from sharing toothbrushes, razors and other such items which may be contaminated with infected blood. (The virus can live outside the body, possibly for up to four days.)

-- There is even a small risk from inhaling drugs like cocaine, as these can make the inside of your nose bleed. If that happens, tiny spots of blood can fall on to the note you are using and, if that is used by someone else, your blood can travel up their nose and into their bloodstream.

-- There is also a small risk from re-used equipment used for tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture, etc.

-- There is a small risk that an infected mother can pass on the infection to her baby.

-- There is a small risk that an infected person can pass on the virus whilst having sex.

The virus is not passed on during normal social contact, such as holding hands, hugging, or sharing cups or crockery.