Which of the following groups are considered high risk for HCV infection?

• A. Transfusions before 1992, IV drug use, tattoos/piercings
• B. Regular exercise and healthy diet
• C. People who never travel
• D. People who have never received vaccines

Answer: (A)

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, so any exposure to infected blood raises risk. Transfusions before 1992 were riskier because blood wasn’t routinely screened for HCV, allowing infected blood to be given to patients. Intravenous drug use is a major risk because sharing needles creates direct blood-to-blood transmission. Tattoos or piercings can also be a risk if performed with non-sterile equipment or shared needles; reputable studios use sterile, single-use needles and proper sanitization to greatly reduce this risk. The other options don’t involve exposure to infected blood, so they don’t fit the pattern of HCV transmission. There is no vaccine for HCV, so vaccination history isn’t a factor in risk.