What is hepatitis C?

The virus reaches the liver through the bloodstream. Some infections clear without treatment, while others persist and become long-term. Ongoing inflammation may lead to scarring, reduced liver function, or serious liver disease. The extent of harm differs between people and cannot be judged from symptoms alone.

Many people feel well. Possible symptoms include fatigue, nausea, reduced appetite, discomfort under the ribs, dark urine, pale stools, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. Fatigue is common in many conditions, so it does not by itself establish hepatitis C.

Ask for medical advice if you have had a possible blood exposure, a positive screening result, or symptoms that concern you. Testing usually separates evidence of past exposure from evidence that the virus is currently present. Avoid sharing items that may carry blood while your status is being assessed.

A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) provides a place to review exposure, symptoms, medicines, and next tests. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) helps assess liver health but is not a standalone hepatitis C diagnosis.

Arrange medical assessment after a possible blood exposure even if you feel healthy. Seek urgent help for confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal swelling, yellow skin with worsening illness, or severe abdominal pain.

Ask whether you need an antibody test, a current-virus test, liver assessment, treatment, or repeat testing. Ask what symptoms should prompt urgent help and how to prevent blood-to-blood spread at home.