Introduction
People who have hepatitis C are often asymptomatic.
However, each person will experience hepatitis C differently. Some people will have some symptoms, some people will have many symptoms and some people have no symptoms at all.
Many people mistake symptoms for other health conditions, or think they are a normal part of getting older. You’ll only know if you have hepatitis C if you have a hepatitis C blood test.
Common symptoms of hepatitis C
If symptoms appear, they’ll usually occur between 2 and 12 weeks after contracting the virus.1 Symptoms can vary, and their severity and intensity may rise and fall over time. You can have all or some of these symptoms:
- tiredness, chronic fatigue or sudden attacks of exhaustion
- flu like symptoms such as chills, low-grade fevers and night sweats
- muscle or joint pain
- nausea, indigestion or lack of appetite
- problems with your sleep like trouble falling asleep, waking up a lot or sleeping too much
- poor concentration and forgetfulness
- headache
- depression, irritability or mood swings
- stomach (belly) pain, especially under the right lower ribs where your liver is
- skin problems such as itching, blisters or rashes
- weight loss
- bloating in the belly
- dry eyes
- dry mouth or ulcers
- swollen legs
- bleeding or bruising easily
- dark urine
- bowel problems like diarrhoea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- yellowish discolouration of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Most people with chronic hepatitis C won’t feel sick until their liver is badly damaged.
Monitor your symptoms
If you have hepatitis C it’s important to find a doctor who knows about hepatitis C, and that you are comfortable with them. If you don’t feel comfortable with your current doctor, it’s okay to look for another one.
You should also be aware of how you feel and monitor your symptoms. If you have any new symptoms talk to your doctor. Over time, hepatitis C can also weaken your immune system. You may notice that you develop new health problems, or existing ones have more of an impact on your life.2
You can search LiverWELL’s Hepatitis Services Directory to find a doctor who is experienced in treating hepatitis C.
