Thehepatitis C virus (HCV)causes chronic liver infection. Over time, this infection can lead toliver damage,liver cancer, and evenliver failure.

HCV is a bloodborne virus. That means it passes from one person to another through contact with blood containing the virus.

The most common way HCV spreads is through the shared use of contaminated needles and other equipment used for drugs.

Sharing personal items that may come into contact with blood, such as a razor or toothbrush, can also spread HCV, but the likelihood of this is low.

你不能通过丙肝病毒通过接吻,牵手,或年代haring eating utensils with someone with the virus.

HCV isn’t asexually transmitted infection. It’s possible to contract HCV through unprotected or rough sex with someone who has the virus, but the risk is very low.

The two most common risk factors for HCV are injection drug use and having had a blood transfusion before 1992.

Before 1992, blood donations weren’t tested for HCV. Many people were infected when they were given HCV-positive blood during a transfusion.

Today, all donated blood is checked for HCV, among other viruses.

A third risk factor is having tattoos. In one study , people with HCV were found to be more likely to have tattoos than people without the virus.

This study also controlled for people who may have HCV because of injected drug use and a contaminated blood transfusion.

Not only is it possible to share your infection if you have HCV and get a tattoo, but you might also develop an infection from exposure to a contaminated needle.

Tiny needles puncture your skin when you’re getting a tattoo. This can cause bleeding. With each puncture, drops of pigment are inserted into the layers of skin.

If infected blood remains on the needle or is in the pigment, the virus could be transferred to you during the tattoo process.

Before you sit down for your tattoo, take these safety precautions to avoid HCV infection:

Find a reputable tattoo artist

Your tattoo artist should have a clean, sterile tattoo environment. Seek out tattoo studios that have licensed individuals with a good reputation for healthy, clean work.

Use protective gear

Ask the artist to wear gloves and protective gear to prevent the spread of blood.

You may not be in a true medical environment, but your tattoo artist should treat your tattoo experience much like a doctor treats an examination.

Demand new equipment

看着你的纹身艺术家将一个新的针from a sealed, sterilized packet.

If you don’t see them open the needle, ask for another one and explain why you’re asking. Also, request new, unused pigments and containers, too.

Prioritize the healing process

Take steps to make sure you heal properly. Give your new tattoo up to 2 to 3 weeks to properly and fully heal before removing your bandages. Don’t pick at any scabs left by the tattoo process.

Contact your doctor immediately if you developsigns of an infection, such as redness or pus drainage, or if your tattoo comes into contact with another person’s blood.

HCV may go undetected and undiagnosed for years, even decades. That’s because the virus and infection rarely cause symptoms until the infection has progressed.

In many cases, HCV is found when liver damage is discovered through routine medical testing.

In the early stages, HCV may cause the following symptoms:

The symptoms of an advanced HCV infection can include:

If you have HCV and want a tattoo, the same rules for preventing an infection apply for preventing the spread of the virus. Let your tattoo artist know that you have HCV.

If the artist is uncomfortable giving you a tattoo, seek out an artist who’s trained and capable of tattooing people with HCV.

Be sure to ask for new equipment for your tattoo. Watch as your artist throws the equipment away or sterilizes it after your tattoo is finished.

Ask your artist to wear gloves during the tattooing process and cover your new tattoo with sterile gauze until it has fully healed, scars and all.

If you’ve had a tattoo procedure and you’ve experienced symptoms of HCV, it’s worth asking your doctor for a blood test for HCV.

It’s important to remember how infrequently HCV is passed between two people during a tattoo procedure, though it’s possible.

If you have HCV, you can begin treatment right away. The sooner your infection is discovered, the sooner you can begin treatment.