Hepatitis C symptoms and how it spreads

When symptoms occur, they may include fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, discomfort under the ribs, dark urine, pale stools or yellowing of the eyes and skin. Symptoms cannot confirm the infection, so testing matters after a possible exposure.

Transmission can occur when blood is shared through needles or other injecting equipment, or through equipment used for tattooing, piercing or medical procedures that was not properly sterilised. Sharing personal items that may carry blood, such as razors or toothbrushes, can also create a route. Sexual transmission is less common but can happen when blood exposure is involved. Hepatitis C is not spread by ordinary hugging, sharing food or casual contact.

Because symptoms may be absent, feeling well does not rule it out. See [Hepatitis C](/conditions/hepatitis-c/) and the guide to [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/).

Book a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) and explain when and how the exposure happened. A clinician can choose antibody and direct-virus tests based on timing. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) may assess liver health but cannot replace infection testing. Until you have advice, do not share razors, toothbrushes or injecting equipment, and cover cuts or wounds. Do not donate blood while infection is being investigated.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal swelling, or yellowing accompanied by marked drowsiness. After a recent blood exposure, contact a clinician promptly even without symptoms so the appropriate testing schedule can be discussed. Emergency care is guided by how ill you feel, not by whether hepatitis C seems likely.

Ask: What type of exposure did I have? Which test is suitable now? When should it be repeated? Should anyone else who may have shared equipment seek advice? Which symptoms would require urgent help?