Causes

You can catch hepatitis B or hepatitis C when you come in contact with one or both of the viruses. That means it is contagious. But the viruses spread in different ways.

Hepatitis B (HBV) spreads through blood and body fluids such as saliva, semen and vaginal fluids. Common ways that you can get hepatitis B are:

• Having sex.
• Sharing needles used to inject drugs.
• Being stuck by a contaminated needle, called a needlestick injury.
• Getting dialysis.

A pregnant person who has HBV can spread the virus to the baby during birth. Less commonly, you might get hepatitis B by sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes.

Hepatitis C (HCV) spreads mainly by touching blood that has the virus in it. Most people get it by sharing needles used to take drugs. Less often, hepatitis C can spread through childbirth, unprotected sex or unsafe tattooing practices.

You do not get hepatitis B or C by:

• Hugging or kissing.
• Sharing food.
• Coughing or sneezing.

You can have hepatitis B and hepatitis C at the same time. The six months after getting a hepatitis B or C infection is called an acute infection. If the virus stays in your body for more than six months, it's called a chronic infection.