Early detection is key, and understanding the symptoms of HCV can help you know when it’s time to get tested.
What Is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus, which spreads mainly through contact with infected blood. Common modes of transmission include:
- Sharing needles or syringes
- Blood transfusions (especially before 1992)
- Unsterilized medical or tattoo equipment
- From mother to baby during childbirth
- Less commonly, through unprotected sex
There is no vaccine for HCV, but it is curable with antiviral medications—especially when diagnosed early.
HCV: Acute vs. Chronic
HCV infection can be classified into two stages:
1. Acute Hepatitis C
This is the initial stage of infection, usually within the first six months. Many people show no symptoms at all during this time. If symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Low-grade fever
- Dark urine
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
About 15–25% of people clear the virus on their own during this phase. The rest develop chronic HCV.
2. Chronic Hepatitis C
If the virus remains in the body for more than six months, it becomes chronic. Most people with chronic HCV still show few or no symptoms, even as the virus slowly damages the liver.
Over years or decades, the liver may become scarred (fibrosis), and this can lead to cirrhosis or liver failure.
Common Symptoms of Chronic HCV
When symptoms do develop, especially in advanced stages, they may include:
1. Fatigue
Chronic tiredness or weakness is one of the most common symptoms. It can be mild at first but may worsen over time.
2. Joint and Muscle Pain
Some people experience ongoing pain in the joints or muscles, often mistaken for arthritis or general aches.
3. Poor Appetite and Nausea
Digestive symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, and bloating are common, especially as liver function worsens.
4. Jaundice
Yellowing of the eyes and skin may appear when the liver can no longer properly process bilirubin.
5. Dark Urine and Pale Stools
Changes in the color of urine and stool can be a sign of liver dysfunction.
6. Abdominal Pain
Particularly in the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located.
7. Itchy Skin
Chronic liver disease can lead to skin irritation and persistent itching.
8. Mental Fog or Confusion (Hepatic Encephalopathy)
In severe cases, toxins build up in the bloodstream and affect brain function, leading to memory issues, confusion, or trouble concentrating.
Symptoms of Advanced Liver Disease from HCV
If left untreated, chronic Hepatitis C can cause serious liver complications, with symptoms such as:
- Swollen abdomen (ascites)
- Bleeding easily or bruising
- Swelling in legs and feet
- Spider-like blood vessels on the skin
- Unexplained weight loss
These are signs of cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease, which may require liver transplantation if not managed in time.
Who Should Get Tested?
Because HCV symptoms are often silent or vague, testing is the only way to know for sure if you're infected. The CDC recommends HCV screening for:
- All adults age 18 and older (at least once in their lifetime)
- Pregnant women (during each pregnancy)
- Anyone with risk factors, such as:
- History of injection drug use
- Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
- Chronic hemodialysis patients
- HIV-positive individuals
- Healthcare workers exposed to blood
Early diagnosis can lead to successful treatment, often involving 8–12 weeks of oral antiviral medications with high cure rates.
Final Thoughts
Hepatitis C is a serious but treatable condition. Because it often shows no early symptoms, many people live with the virus without knowing it—until significant liver damage has occurred.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of HCV, knowing your risk factors, and getting tested regularly can help protect your health and prevent long-term complications.
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to HCV or are experiencing unexplained symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, or jaundice, speak to your healthcare provider and request a simple blood test.
Early detection saves lives. Know the signs, get tested, and take control of your health.