No, hepatitis C cannot be transmitted through saliva. Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus, which means transmission can only happen through blood. Hepatitis C is most commonly transmitted through:

  • medical equipment such as syringes and needles that haven’t been appropriately sterilised or have been reused
  • transfusion of unscreened blood or blood products
  • sharing equipment to inject drugs

Hepatitis C can also spread through:

  • sharing razors or toothbrushes, as these can come into contact with a person’s blood
  • from a pregnant person to the fetus
  • through sexual contact without any barrier methods, although this is very rare

Hepatitis C is not spread through any of the following:

  • breast milk
  • food
  • water
  • hugging
  • kissing
  • sharing food or drinks with someone who has the condition

You might not experience any symptoms after the infection. Many people with the infection never develop any symptoms. If you do develop symptoms, it might take between 2 weeks and 6 months to experience them, and they can include the following:

Hepatitis C is curable with treatment, and people will usually have a typical life expectancy.

There’s currently no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C, so it’s important to avoid contact with another person’s blood. Ways to prevent hepatitis C include the following:

  • appropriate use of healthcare injections
  • safe handling and disposal of needles and medical waste
  • services for people who inject drugs, such as needle exchange programs, or substance use counselling
  • testing of donated blood for the hepatitis C virus and other viruses
  • training of health personnel
  • practicing sex by using barrier methods such as condoms

Many people are asymptomatic, so screening tests are an essential tool in diagnosing hepatitis C and preventing the spread of the condition.

If you have more questions about hepatitis C transmission or prevention, reach out to a doctor or healthcare professional.