Hep C: top myths and facts

Myths about hep C transmission, treatment, and lifestyle can stop people from seeking the care they need. Below are the answers to common questions about hepatitis C, supported by current facts and evidence.

Myth: I might catch hepatitis C through casual contact like hugging, kissing, or sharing food

Fact: No. Hep C is a blood-borne* virus. It is not passed on by holding hands, hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing food or utensils, or using the same toilet seat.

*Blood-borne is when the blood of someone with hep C gets into the bloodstream of someone else.

Myth: Mosquitoes, toilet seats, or sharing laundry spread the virus

Fact: No. Mosquitoes do not transmit hepatitis C. The virus also isn’t spread by toilet seats or sharing laundry loads. The virus needs blood-to-blood contact*.

*Blood-to-blood contact is when the blood of someone with hep C gets into the bloodstream of someone else.

Myth: Hep C is a sexually transmitted disease (STI)

Fact: No. Hepatitis C is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but can spread through blood to blood exposure during sex. The risk of transmission through vaginal or oral sex is very low. The risk is higher for anal sex without condoms or sexual practices that might cause bleeding. Using condoms and lubricant can reduce this risk. Read more about Hep C, Sex and Relationships here.

Myth: Hep C can be prevented with vaccination

Fact: No.Currently, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Prevention relies on avoiding blood-to-blood contact, such as not sharing injecting equipment and ensuring sterile equipment is used for tattoos or piercings.

Myth: Hep C can be passed on through tattoos and piercings

Fact: Hep C is passed on through blood-to-blood contact. This happens when the blood of someone with hep C gets into someone else’s blood stream. If a tattoo artist doesn’t keep everything sterile, there can be a risk for hep C being passed on from a customer with hep C. Read about hep C and getting tattoos here.

Myth: Hep C is only linked to injecting drugs

Fact: While using and sharing unsterile injecting equipment is a risk for hepatitis C you can also get hep C through unsterile medical procedures or blood transfusions (before 1996 or overseas), or unsterile tattooing. Sharing personal items like razors is also a low risk. Another less common transmission is from mother to baby at birth, if the mother has hep C.

Myth: Hep C is linked to men who have sex with men (MSM)

Fact: No. While it is estimated that up to 5% of gay men and men who have sex with other men have hep C, compared with 1% of the general population, the fact is anyone can get hep C through blood-to-blood contact. Sexual transmission is uncommon generally, though anal sex can increase the risk, especially among people with HIV. Learn more about hep C and men who have sex with men.

Myth: Hep C passes on through breastfeeding, hugging, coughing or sneezing on someone

Fact: No. The virus is not spread by saliva, coughing, sneezing, or hugging. It is also not transmitted through breast milk unless nipples are cracked and bleeding. You can read our factsheet Pregnancy, babies and children for more info about breastfeeding and hep C.

Myth: Routine blood tests are enough to detect hep C

Fact: No. General blood tests do not screen for hep C. You need to ask your doctor specifically for a hep C antibody test. Over 60,000 people across Australia still have hepatitis C (according to the 2025 Burnet Report) – some don’t know they have it. The only way to find out if you have hep C is to get tested. Learn more about hep C and testing here.

Myth: Hep C only affects the liver

Fact: The virus primarily infects liver cells, but if the infection is long-standing or severe, it can affect other parts of the body.

Myth: Hep C goes away on its own without treatment

Fact: About 25% of people clear hep C naturally within 6 months of exposure. However, if left untreated hep C can turn into a chronic infection, which is why it’s important to get tested for hep C as soon as possible if you think you may have been at risk. Chronic infection requires treatment to cure hep C and prevent long-term damage.

Myth: Hep C treatment is lengthy and difficult

Fact: No. Treatment has changed since 2016. New medicines are taken as pills for just 8 or 12 weeks, have very few side effects, and cure more than 95% of people. Hep C treatment is covered by Medicare and is available to everyone. Here’s a detailed guide on hep C treatment.

Myth: Once I’m cured I am immune to hep C

Fact: No. you can get hepatitis C after you’re cured. Being cured does not protect you from getting the virus again. This is why it’s important to avoid hep C transmission risks if you want to stay cured.

Myth: Having hep C means I can’t get pregnant and shouldn’t breastfeed

Fact: No. Hep C usually does not mean you need to avoid pregnancy. If you have hep C, talk with your doctor and get cured before trying for a baby. There is a small risk (about 5%) of passing it to the baby, but infants are tested after birth. Breastfeeding is safe unless nipples are cracked or bleeding. Here are more details about hep C, pregnancy and babies.

Myth: I need to disclose my hep C status to everyone

Fact: No. You do not have to tell everyone. Disclosure is generally only required in specific situations, such as donating blood, certain healthcare, sport or defence force jobs or for some insurance policies. Get the facts on hep C and disclosure here.

If you have more questions, you can also call the free Hepatitis Infoline to speak to someone who knows a lot about hep C, and who can help you decide what’s best for you and your health. Call 1800 803 990 today.