People may become infected with the hepatitis C virus through the shared use of needles or through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Before 1992 and the refinement of screening techniques, MayoClinic.com indicates that a person also could get the infection from blood transfusions in the United States. This disease of the liver does not usually present symptoms until decades after the initial exposure to the infection. In the end stages of Hepatitis C, the liver reveals severe damage. This scarring of the liver can develop into cancer of the liver or liver failure.
Fatigue
Only during the end stages of infection with hepatitis C do symptoms usually become acute. One such symptom, fatigue, can make the person feel as though he has participated in rigorous physical activity, such as hard work or full contact sports. Yet, fatigue in the case of hepatitis C will not have such activity as the cause. The person may need continual sleep, and may have little energy to perform the activities of daily life. Fatigue, MayoClinic.com reports, may occur only as a mild problem, as well.
Pain and Tenderness
Abdominal pain occurs as part of the infection of the virus. Tenderness also may occur in the upper right portion of the abdomen where the liver resides. In some cases, these problems may occur as severe symptoms, but for others, they may feel mild, MayoClinic.com reports.
Nausea or Vomiting
The human liver produces enzymes that help in the digestion of food. As liver function decreases because of damage to the organ by the hepatitis C viral infection, digestion may become disrupted. This can cause an unsettling feeling in the stomach such as nausea. The infected person may vomit because of this illness, as well. Nausea and vomiting occur due to the infection and swelling of the liver. The pressure of the swollen liver on other internal organs can cause the nausea to occur.
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite occurs because of the increased pain and swelling of the liver. Swelling that occurs in the stomach and abdominal area causes the person to lose her appetite largely because of the discomfort in the area.
Ascites
Swelling in the abdomen caused by fluid in the abdominal cavity is known as ascites, and causes the person to continually feel ill. His abdomen becomes very large and round. The doctor may order the fluid removed from the area because it also can affect breathing. The increased fluid build-up can cause shortness of breath.
Jaundice
Jaundice, the yellowing of the sclera of the eyes, as well as the skin, is a symptom of liver failure. Darkened urine also indicates jaundice.
