Hepatitis C symptoms and treatment

Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea or yellowing may improve when the infection is treated, but symptoms alone cannot guide treatment safely. Some people have no symptoms and still need assessment after a positive test.

The clinician first establishes whether virus is currently detectable, then considers liver inflammation, scarring, other health conditions, previous treatment and possible medicine interactions. A liver function test can show how the liver is working, while other assessments may be needed to understand scarring. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, planned procedures, alcohol use, prescribed medicines and supplements so the plan is appropriate.

For condition background, see [Hepatitis C](/conditions/hepatitis-c/). Persistent tiredness is discussed in [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/).

Book a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if a test is positive, exposure is possible, or symptoms such as yellowing and dark urine develop. Take previous results and a complete medicine list. Ask whether you need a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) or direct viral testing. Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed and check before adding an over-the-counter product. Avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes or injecting equipment, and cover open wounds.

Seek urgent help for vomiting blood, black stools, confusion, severe abdominal swelling, or yellowing with marked drowsiness. Contact your treatment team promptly if you develop a new severe reaction after taking medicine, cannot keep doses down because of vomiting, or notice rapidly worsening symptoms. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice unless emergency clinicians tell you to do so.

Ask: Is active virus present? How will we assess liver scarring? Which medicines and supplements could interact? What should I do if I miss a dose? Which symptoms mean I should call urgently? How will we check the infection after treatment?