Which of the following is true regarding Hepatitis C in the U.S.?

Hepatitis C is indeed the most common bloodborne infection in the United States. This status is primarily due to the high number of individuals who have been infected through sharing needles, unsafe medical practices, or exposure to contaminated blood. The infection is particularly prevalent among certain populations, including those who have used intravenous drugs and those who received blood transfusions prior to the implementation of widespread screening measures in the early 1990s.

Understanding that Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood is crucial when considering how it spreads in different contexts, including occupational settings where exposure might occur. In contrast to other methods of transmission, such as sexual contact (which is less common for Hepatitis C), or the misconception that there is no known transmission method, the dominating route of infection remains through direct blood exposure. This makes awareness and preventive measures critical for those at risk, including healthcare and law enforcement officers who may encounter situations where exposure could occur.