It is not routine for pregnant women to be tested for hepatitis C Virus, as they are not at a greater risk to contract the virus than anyone else is. However, if a pregnant woman has HCV infection, then her child has about a four percent chance (i.e. 4 out of every 100 infants) of becoming infected; that percentage can be as high as 19% however, if the mother is co-infected with HIV. The actual infection to the child occurs at the time of birth, and unfortunately, no treatment is currently available to prevent it, although delivery by caesarian may reduce the risk. Most infants infected at birth with HCV don’t display any symptoms and do well during childhood.

Because a mother’s antibodies are transferred to her fetus, an infant will test antibody positive at birth, and possibly for up to 18 months after birth, without actually being infected with the virus. If testing an infant before one year has passed, then testing for HCV RNA by PCR is suggested however, it will need to be repeated at a subsequent visit independent of the initial HCV RNA test result. Between 55% and 85% of those infected with HCV, will develop long-term infection and 70% may develop chronic liver disease. One to five percent of infected persons may die from liver cancer or cirrhosis due to the long-term infection. This isn’t referring to infants who are testing positive because of their mother’s antibodies, who later test negative. Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver transplants.

HCV is not shared with others by sneezing, hugging, coughing, food, water, sharing eating utensils, sharing drinks, casual contact nor is there risk of virus transmission from urine or stool. Hepatitis C infection isn’t contagious in children therefore they pose no risk to others. It isn’t necessary to restrict their routine activities, such as daycare attendance, participation in sports or school attendance, based on their HCV status, nor is it necessary to notify school authorities. The VA has established general dietary guidelines for those with HCV that may be helpful, but please review them with your doctor before implementing. Maintaining healthy lifestyles including moderate exercise, a good diet, and plenty of rest will help to maintain strength, energy, and well-being.

Infants should begin their hepatitis B vaccine series in their first month of life, and hepatitis A vaccine at two years old, when they are born to HCV infected mothers. Those infected with HCV are at a higher risk for infection, and hepatitis B can be more severe in those with an established HCV infection. The Food and Drug Administration approved using combination anti-viral therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children three to 17 years old.

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