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Most Common Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease caused by a virus that strikes the liver and sets off inflammation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3.2 million people in the U.S. have chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The CDC says most people are not aware they are infected because there are usually no obvious symptoms. The condition may show up years later when routine medical tests reveal liver damage.

  1. What is Hepatitis?

    • Hepatitis is the name of a family of viral infections that affect the liver. The most common types in the U.S. are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is generally considered to be among the most serious of these viruses. It is typically spread when blood from a person infected with the hepatitis C virus enters the blood stream of a non-infected person. Nowadays most people become infected with the hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs.

    Severity of Hepatitis C

    • The health problems associated with hepatitis C can range from mild and short-lived to chronic and potentially life threatening. When chronic hepatitis C is present, long-term health problems can include live damage and liver cancer. The CDC says approximately 9,000 people die from hepatitis C related liver disease each year.

    When Symptoms Occur

    • The CDC says up to 80 percent of people with acute hepatitis C have no symptoms at all. However some people will experience symptoms shortly after they become infected. Possible warning signs of the condition most often develop six to seven weeks after exposure but the time frame can range from two weeks to six months. These indicators can range from slight to severe.

    Flu-Like Symptoms are Common

    • The Mayo Clinic says the signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis-C are usually mild and are similar to flu symptoms. They may include nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever and achy muscles and joints. There may also be tenderness in the liver area.

    Other Possible Symptoms

    • According to the CDC, early signs of hepatitis C may include clay-colored bowel movements and dark colored urine. Jaundice may occur causing a yellowing of the skin or eyes.

    Tests

    • If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms, your doctor can order blood tests to determine whether you have the hepatitis C virus. He may also suggest performing a liver biopsy to sample liver tissue for laboratory testing. The biopsy results can reveal the seriousness of the disease and assist in the development of a treatment plan.

    Treatment

    • A diagnosis of hepatitis C infection doesn't necessarily mean you need immediate treatment. Your doctor initially may recommend follow-up blood tests to keep an eye on liver problems.

      Hepatitis C infection is typically treated with antiviral medications that work to eliminate the virus from your body. Unfortunately these drugs can have many unpleasant side effects including depression, fatigue, headache and fever.

      In extreme cases when the liver has undergone severe damage, a liver transplant may be considered.

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