What should you know about hepatitis C virus symptoms?

Many people with hepatitis C have no obvious symptoms for a long time. When symptoms occur, they may include fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea, discomfort beneath the ribs, dark urine, pale stools, itchy skin or yellow eyes and skin. Hepatitis C can present with fatigue, but fatigue alone has many possible causes.

Symptoms cannot tell you whether hepatitis C is present or how the liver is functioning. A blood test can look for antibodies, followed when needed by a test for current virus. A clinician may also check liver health and review other explanations for your symptoms.

Book a GP consultation if symptoms persist, if you may have had blood exposure, or if you are worried about hepatitis C. Describe when symptoms began and bring your medicines and supplement list. Until you have advice, avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes or needles and cover open cuts. Do not self-treat jaundice with unreviewed supplements.

Get same-day medical advice for new yellowing, dark urine with pale stools, repeated vomiting, abdominal swelling or unusual bleeding. Go to emergency care for confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, fainting or rapidly worsening drowsiness.

Ask whether your symptoms warrant hepatitis C testing, which blood tests are appropriate, whether your liver needs assessment, what other causes should be considered, and which warning signs should bring you back urgently.