One of the most dangerous things about the hepatitis c virus (HCV) is that it often doesn’t cause any symptoms until the liver damage is severe. This makes it difficult to know if you have a hepatitis c infection, and it means that many people don’t find out they have chronic hepatitis until it’s too late.
If you think you may have been exposed to the hepatitis c virus, or if you have any of the typical symptoms of a chronic hepatitis c infection, it’s important to get tested and begin treatment as soon as possible. But what are symptoms of hep c? How do you know if you have the virus?
At HepCMyWay, we want people to be as educated as possible on the topic of HCV so they can take the first steps towards treatment and a cure. For those who have received a positive diagnosis of hep c, we offer online prescriptions for the latest treatment options, as well as comprehensive support and resources all from the convenience and safety of your home.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a hepatitis c infection:
Fatigue
One of the most common hepatitis c symptoms is fatigue. This can be a general feeling of tiredness, or it can be more severe, to the point where it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning or do your normal activities. Fatigue from hep c is often described as feeling “heavy” or “drained,” and it can come and go throughout the course of the infection.
Muscle and Joint Pain
Another early symptom of viral hepatitis is muscle and joint pain. This can range from a general ache to more severe pain, and it can be constant or come and go. The pain is often worse in the morning, and it can make it difficult to move around or do your normal activities.
Nausea and Loss of Appetite
Another common symptom of acute hepatitis c infection is nausea and loss of appetite. This can be mild, where you just don’t feel like eating, or it can be more severe, where you feel nauseous all the time and can’t keep food down.
Weight Loss
Because of the loss of appetite and nausea, people with hep c often lose weight. This can happen slowly over time, or it can happen suddenly if the symptoms are severe.
Weight loss is also an indicator of more advanced liver disease, or in some cases, liver cancer.
Fever
A fever is another common symptom of hepatitis c, and it can range from a low-grade fever to a high fever. A fever is usually one of the first symptoms to show up in an infected person with acute HCV, but it can also be a symptom of chronic hepatitis c.
Like other types of viral infection, a fever is usually a sign that your body is fighting the illness caused by the hepatitis c virus.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is another common symptom of the hepatitis c virus and can indicate both acute and chronic infection. The pain can be mild or severe, and it can be constant or come and go. It’s often worse on the right side, near where the liver is located.
Jaundice
One of the most well-known symptoms of a hepatitis c virus infection, jaundice is a condition where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. It’s caused by a build-up of bilirubin, a yellow pigment, in the blood.
Jaundice is a symptom of more advanced liver diseases, and it can be a warning sign of liver failure. If you notice any changes in the color of your skin or eyes, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Dark Urine
Dark urine is another common symptom of hep c, and it’s caused by the same build-up of bilirubin that causes jaundice. Because urine is normally clear or pale yellow, dark urine is a sign that there’s something wrong with the liver.
Likewise, pale stools are another symptom of liver problems. As your body digests food, the liver produces a yellowish-green substance called bile. Bile normally makes stool brown. If the liver isn’t working properly, there may not be enough bile, leading to pale stools.
Itchy Skin
Another symptom of more advanced liver disease is itchy skin. This can be a general itchiness, or it can be more severe to the point where it’s hard to sleep. The itchiness is caused by a build-up of toxins in the blood that the liver can’t filter out.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. They can order tests to check for HCV infection, and if you
Liver Cirrhosis
In cases of severe liver damage, scar tissue can build up and cause the liver to harden. This is called cirrhosis, and it’s the most advanced stage of hepatitis c. Outward symptoms of cirrhosis include many of the aforementioned issues, including:
- Jaundice
- Swelling in the abdomen or legs
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weakness and fatigue
- Nausea and loss of appetite
Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, which is fatal if not treated. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Get Tested and Treat Hepatitis Online
Hepatitis C is a serious virus that can cause severe liver damage. If you think you may have been exposed to HCV, it’s important to get tested and see a doctor right away. With early diagnosis and treatment, many people with HCV can live long and healthy lives.
If you've been diagnosed with HCV, HepCMyWay can help. We offer online prescriptions for HCV treatment in Pennsylvania and Ohio, as well as virtual support from a real, competent hep c specialist.
No insurance? No problem. HepCMyWay will treat you regardless of your provider or insurance situation, so you can focus on what's important: getting better.
Ready to be free from Hep C? As the top provider of online Hep C treatment near you, we make receiving the care you need as easy as 1, 2, 3. Get started with HepCMyWay today.
