Drug abuse and hepatitis C transmission

Drug abuse, especially involving injectable drugs, can increase the risk of hepatitis C transmission because sharing contaminated needles or equipment introduces the virus into the bloodstream. Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which spreads mainly through blood-to-blood contact. When individuals use drugs intravenously with unsterilized needles, they can accidentally inject the virus if someone else’s blood containing HCV is present. This makes needle sharing a primary route for hepatitis C transmission among drug users. Reducing or eliminating needle sharing through safe practices or treatment can significantly lower infection risks.