What to expect from a GP consultation for hepatitis C

Your GP may ask about tiredness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools or yellowing of the skin, although some people have no obvious symptoms. They may ask about previous blood exposure, injections, tattoos, medical procedures and earlier test results. Blood testing can look for exposure and whether the virus is currently present. The clinician may examine your abdomen and consider tests that show how the liver is working.

You can ask for a confidential conversation and bring previous results and a complete medicine or supplement list. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice. Your GP may arrange repeat or additional blood tests and refer you to a service experienced in hepatitis care. Until you have personalised advice, avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes and cover bleeding cuts; ordinary social contact does not spread hepatitis C.

Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal swelling, confusion, fainting or yellowing with marked illness. Contact your GP promptly if you develop worsening abdominal pain, dark urine with pale stools or unusual bleeding. These symptoms may indicate liver inflammation or another condition needing assessment.

Ask which tests are being arranged, whether the infection is active, how liver health will be checked, who will provide treatment, and how to protect others while results are pending.