What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver. When symptoms develop, they can be vague and may look like many other illnesses. Fatigue may persist, while jaundice or dark urine can reflect changes in how the liver processes waste. Some people remain symptom-free while liver inflammation continues, so feeling well does not rule out infection and symptoms cannot identify the cause by themselves.

Book a GP Consultation if you have unexplained fatigue, jaundice or a possible blood exposure, including shared injecting equipment or an old medical procedure in a setting where screening was limited. A clinician can arrange an initial blood test and, when appropriate, a Liver Function Test and follow-up testing. Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes that may carry blood, and do not donate blood while assessment is pending.

Seek prompt care for yellow skin or eyes, rapidly worsening weakness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, confusion or unusual sleepiness. Emergency help is appropriate if you collapse, cannot stay awake or cannot keep fluids down. These signs need assessment for liver illness or another urgent problem, regardless of whether hepatitis C is the cause.

Ask which tests can detect hepatitis C, whether a past exposure changes the testing plan, how results will be explained, and what follow-up is needed if the first test is abnormal.