What should you know about sign and symptoms of HCV?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can affect the liver. Early infection may be silent. When symptoms occur, they can include tiredness, reduced appetite, nausea, discomfort under the ribs, dark urine, pale stools, itchy skin or yellowing of the eyes and skin. Fatigue is common in many conditions, so it does not establish hepatitis C. A blood test, interpreted by a clinician, is needed to assess exposure and current infection.

Arrange a GP Consultation if you have symptoms, think you may have been exposed, or want confidential advice about testing. Tell the clinician about relevant medical history, medicines and possible exposure without waiting for symptoms. A Liver Function Test can show how the liver is behaving, but it does not by itself confirm hepatitis C; other blood tests may be needed. Avoid sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes, and do not donate blood while infection is being assessed.

Seek urgent care for confusion, unusual sleepiness, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal swelling, or yellowing with rapid deterioration. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent vomiting, marked weakness, or new yellowing of the eyes or skin. Do not wait for symptoms if you know of a possible recent exposure, because early advice can guide testing and prevention.

Ask which tests are appropriate, when testing should be repeated after an exposure, whether medicines or alcohol could affect your liver, and how to protect household or sexual contacts. Ask how results will be explained and what follow-up is needed.