How Is Hepatitis C Transmitted?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My brother in law has hepatitis C. We were fishing one day and my line got tangled. When he was untangling the line, it stuck his finger. I don't know if it bled or not but he was sucking on it afterwards. When I got the pole back the hook flipped and stuck my thumb. It hurt and stung pretty good but I could get no blood from it. Do I need to be concerned that I was exposed?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If no contact with fresh infected blood, no fear of infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concern.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with the fresh infected blood.

If no such contact no fear for infection.
If your wound did not bleed when getting in contact with the same hook your brother in law stuck his thumb, there is no fear of getting infected .

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T