Can Hepatitis C Spread Within a Family?
Hepatitis C can be transmitted among family members in the following situations:
- Using scissors, nail clippers, or razors for more than one person.
- Sharing toothbrushes with family members.
- Reusing syringes, including insulin syringes, for multiple people.
- Sharing hairpins among siblings, as they can cause scratches that may transmit the virus.
- Using the same bath sponge.
- Using the same towel, especially if there are scratches on the skin from shaving.
Warning: A family member might be infected with a hepatitis virus without being aware of it. Therefore, it is essential to avoid the practices mentioned above even if there is no known case of infection within the family.
From the book “100 Questions About the Liver” by Professor Dr. Gamal Shiha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Egyptian Liver Foundation and Chairman of the Education and Scientific Research Committee in the House of Representatives.