Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Introduction

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It can lead to severe liver damage if left untreated. This page provides comprehensive information about hepatitis C, including its symptoms, treatment, and prevention strategies.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). While some people clear the virus naturally, most develop chronic hepatitis C, which can lead to serious liver problems such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Acute Hepatitis C:

Fever
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Clay-colored stools
Joint pain
Jaundice

Chronic Hepatitis C:

Initially: Often asymptomatic
Later Stages: Persistent fatigue, abdominal discomfort, liver complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer

Transmission

Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with infected blood. Common transmission methods include:

Sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment
Receiving contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants (before 1992)
Using non-sterile equipment for tattoos or body piercings
Being born to an infected mother
Less commonly, through sexual contact with an infected person, especially among men who have sex with men

Diagnosis

Hepatitis C is diagnosed through blood tests that detect HCV antibodies and RNA. These tests determine if a person has been exposed to the virus and if the infection is current.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Symptoms of acute hepatitis C include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice. Chronic hepatitis C often starts asymptomatic but can lead to persistent fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and severe liver complications in later stages.

How is hepatitis C transmitted?

Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood. Common methods include sharing needles, receiving contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants, using non-sterile equipment for tattoos or piercings, and being born to an infected mother. Less commonly, it can be transmitted through sexual contact.

Can hepatitis C be cured?

Yes, hepatitis C can be cured with antiviral medications such as sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, and velpatasvir. These treatments are highly effective, with cure rates over 90%.

How can hepatitis C be prevented?

Preventing hepatitis C involves not sharing needles, practicing safe sex, ensuring sterile conditions for tattoos and piercings, and regular blood screening for high-risk groups.

Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C?

Currently, there is no vaccine available for hepatitis C. Preventive measures focus on avoiding exposure to infected blood and practicing safe behaviors.