What should you know about AAFP hepatitis C?

The hepatitis C virus causes inflammation in the liver. Some people clear an early infection, while infection persists in others and may slowly cause scarring. Many people have no obvious symptoms; when symptoms occur, hepatitis C can present with fatigue, nausea, reduced appetite, discomfort on the right side of the upper abdomen, dark urine, pale stools, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.

The virus spreads when infected blood enters another person's bloodstream. Possible routes include shared injecting equipment, inadequately sterilised tattoo or piercing tools, needlestick exposure, and blood-to-blood contact. It is not spread by hugging, sharing meals, coughing, or ordinary household contact.

Arrange testing if you may have had blood exposure, even if you feel well. An antibody test shows whether your immune system has encountered the virus; a separate test for viral genetic material establishes whether infection is currently present. Liver blood tests help assess inflammation but cannot by themselves confirm or exclude active hepatitis C.

If active infection is confirmed, a clinician will review medicines, other health conditions, and liver health before selecting oral antiviral treatment. Take every dose as prescribed and complete follow-up testing to check whether the virus remains detectable. Until your care plan is clear, avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, needles, or any item that may carry blood, cover open cuts, and ask before taking supplements that could affect the liver.

Book medical care promptly for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent vomiting, a swollen abdomen, or new ankle swelling. These symptoms can occur when the liver is under strain and need clinical assessment rather than waiting for a routine check.

Seek emergency care for vomiting blood, black tar-like stools, severe confusion, marked drowsiness, fainting, or rapidly worsening abdominal swelling. These are warning signs of possible serious liver complications or bleeding and should not be managed at home.

Ask which test shows current infection, whether you need an assessment for liver scarring, and when follow-up blood tests are due. Discuss every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, herbal product, and supplement you take so potential liver effects and treatment interactions can be reviewed. You can also ask how to protect household members and whether testing for other blood-borne infections is appropriate for your circumstances.