Analysis of the results from a total of 234 couples showed that sharing razors raised HCV infection rates by 3.3 times, and for those with more than four sex partners, it rates soared up to 6.9 times. (image: Matt Thompson/flickr)
SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Korea Bizwire) – Sharing razors with others can raise the possibility of contracting the hepatitis C virus (HCV) by up to 3.3 times, according to a recent study. Piercing, tattooing and having multiple sex partners also raised the infection rate by up to six times.
HCV is contracted via blood and body fluids, and in its early stages, it is almost asymptomatic. However, once infected, more than 75 percent of its patients suffer from chronic infection. Approximately 12 percent of liver cirrhosis and 15 percent of liver cancer cases are caused by chronic HCV.
It is estimated that approximately one percent of Koreans or 600,000 are infected with the virus, and the number keeps growing.
To verify the transmission of HCV, Professor Ki Mo-ran of the National Cancer Center of Korea conducted a study investigating and comparing the lifestyles of HCV patients and a control group of the same gender and age without any diseases, and released the results on August 19.
Analysis of the results from a total of 234 couples showed that sharing razors raised HCV infection rates by 3.3 times, and for those with more than four sex partners, it rates soared up to 6.9 times.
In addition, transfusions (5.4 times), major surgery (5 times), acupuncture (2.1 times) and piercing (5.9 times) raised the infection rates. Needles used for injections and drugs also raised infection rates.
Professor Ki said, “To prevent the transmission of HCV in one’s daily life, one should not share razors nor use razors at public baths. As tattooing and piercing raise infection rates, people need to be aware of the risk, and hospitals should take extra care not to cause infection with needles.”
By John Choi (johnchoi@koreabizwire.com)
