Hepatitis C virus is transmitted in several ways: 1. Blood transfusion: such as transfusion of blood products or transfusion of blood cells back from single-collection plasma; 2. Transmission through broken skin and mucous membranes: some of these are complex and include the use of disposable syringes and needles, dental instruments and endoscopes that are not strictly sterilized, as well as invasive manipulation and needling, and sharing of syringes. Shared razors, toothbrushes, pedicures, tattoos and ear piercings are also potential modes of transmission of hepatitis C virus via blood; 3. Sexual contact transmission. The usual hugging, sneezing, coughing, eating, drinking and sharing utensils and water glasses, as long as there is no skin breakage and no blood exposure contact, generally will not transmit the hepatitis C virus.