1 00:00:01,440 --> 00:00:05,500 Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus that can cause liver disease. 2 00:00:05,500 --> 00:00:11,360 It’s transmitted through contact with infected blood, most often by sharing injection drug equipment. 3 00:00:11,360 --> 00:00:15,280 Less commonly, infection spreads through sharing personal care items 4 00:00:15,280 --> 00:00:18,160 like shaving razors, or through sexual intercourse. 5 00:00:18,160 --> 00:00:21,340 You can protect yourself by taking a few precautions. 6 00:00:21,340 --> 00:00:23,340 Never share needles or syringes. 7 00:00:23,340 --> 00:00:27,580 Avoid sharing personal care items with a person who has Hepatitis C. 8 00:00:27,580 --> 00:00:32,160 When getting tattoos, make sure new needles and ink pots are used every time, 9 00:00:32,160 --> 00:00:34,040 and wear a condom during sex. 10 00:00:34,040 --> 00:00:36,740 As long as you take the necessary precautions, 11 00:00:36,740 --> 00:00:40,500 there is no need to worry about becoming infected with hepatitis C. 12 00:00:40,500 --> 00:00:46,260 However, if you think you might have any form of hepatitis, ask your health care professional for a test. 13 00:00:46,260 --> 00:00:50,520 Most county health department's can perform hepatitis testing as well. 14 00:00:50,520 --> 00:00:57,540 To learn more about Hepatitis C, please visit www.FLAHepatitis.org.