If one suffers from Hepatitis C, there may even be no symptoms. The physician may diagnose the disorder only after a regular blood test shows some irregularities with liver enzymes. Initially, the symptoms of Hep C may appear like flu and show up after two to twelve weeks of being exposed to the virus.

Here are some common symptoms of Hep C

• Easy bleeding and bruising
• Spider-like blood vessels on the skin
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Hepatic encephalopathy causing drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech
• Loss of appetite and drastic weight loss
• Swelling in the legs
• Yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin
• Ascites resulting in fluid build-up in the abdominal region
• Dark color of urine
• Rashes and hives
• Skin itchiness
• Joint and muscle pain
• Fever
• Vomiting and nausea
• Issues with blood clotting
• Enlargement of breasts in men
• Pale stools
• Coma in some cases if toxin buildup impairs smooth functioning of the brain

Chronic hepatitis C always commences as an acute phase, which is often undiagnosed as there are rarely any symptoms. If there are any signs, these may include

• Muscle pains and aches
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Fever

The symptoms may appear only after one to three months since exposure and may last for up to three months.

Those diagnosed with acute hep C may not necessarily reach a chronic stage. The HCV may be cleared from the body through spontaneous viral clearance through antiviral treatments and other therapies.

Failure to treat the infection may cause some complications. Some of these include

• Cirrhosis that causes scarring on the liver
• Liver cancer
• Advanced cirrhosis may further result in liver failure

In some patients, hepatitis C may affect other organs in their bodies. The body may produce abnormal antibodies known as cryoglobulins, which causes vasculitis (inflammation in the arteries). This may result in damage to the kidneys, skin, or joints. Patients with cryoglobulinemia may suffer from the following symptoms

• Generalized pain and swelling in the body
• Joint pain
• Raised purple rash on the legs
• Arthritis
• Raynaud’s phenomenon where the toes and fingers turn color and are painful in cold weather

Hepatitis C is a viral infection causing liver inflammation and in extreme cases severe liver damage. The virus often spreads through contaminated blood. The infection is curable with oral medicines taken regularly for two to six months.

Almost half the people do not know that they are infected as there are no common symptoms of Hep C. So, it is recommended that if those between 18 and 79 years undergo regular screening for the infection. Additionally, those were born between 1945 and 1965 are at a higher risk and periodic check-ups are recommended to prevent the infection.