"My doctor told me I have this but I never used IV drugs."
Hepatitis C can be transmitted by unprotected sex, sharing a razor blade with an infected person, sharing a straw or spoon when snorting drugs such as cocaine since there can be traces of blood and other seemingly innocent exposures to blood from infected people on the spoon or straw.

"I have had unprotected sex with half a dozen women, should I get tested for this?"
Hepatitis C can be transmitted sexually so it is wise to test for this.

"How common is it to get this from unprotected sex?"
Sexual transmission is cited as a relatively low risk and is 'a function of frequency, duration and the nature of sexual exposure' (Gorbach, Sherwood, et. al. Infectious Diseases, Third Edition, 2004, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. pp. 781).

"Can I die from this?"
10,000 people die each year in the United States from complications associated with hepatitis C.

"What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?"
Only 20% of infected people have symptoms and these include; fatigue, malaise, jaundice, dark urine and enlarged liver.

"How soon after I sleep with someone, borrow a razor or share a cocaine spoon can I get tested for this?"
There is testing now that can detect an infection as early as 2-3 weeks after exposure.

"I used my room mate's razor and cut myself, how worried should I be about getting this?"
This is a risk for exposure to hepatitis C and since it is postulated that up to 1.8% of our population is carrying this virus and you may be anxious about his health status it is wise to treat this like any other high risk contact since there is a chance for blood exposure. You should question him closely about his health history and express your concerns about this exposure. Ideally, the room mate will agree to get tested for this and other blood born pathogens.