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View the video entitled Hepatitis C Risk Factors Announcer: The information provided in this video is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, you should contact your health care provider. Segment 4: Risk factors Jacobson: A number of risk factors for contracting hepatitis C infection have been identified. The use of illicit injection drugs, such as heroin, and sharing needles with other users is the strongest risk factor. Sharing straws to inhale cocaine has also been implicated. Having had a blood transfusion prior to 1992 is another risk factor for infection. However, since blood tests for HCV were developed in that year, all potential donors testing positive for HCV have been excluded from donation, and the chances of getting HCV from a blood transfusion are now extremely low. Likewise, hemophiliacs and all other persons who were treated with clotting factors manufactured before 1987 are at risk for harboring hepatitis C. Other risk factors include having many sex partners or a history of sexually transmitted disease, or STDs, such as chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhea. Occupational exposure to blood and blood products, and mother-to-child transmission have also been implicated. (Ref.2, pg.975) To find out your risk of becoming infected, return to the Home Page and click on "Quick List" in the upper left corner of the page. Then, click on "take the risk test." (Risk Factors) There you will find a short questionnaire that will help you estimate your chances of becoming infected with HCV.