Signs of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a silent disease that usually does not present obvious symptoms for many years following infection. A virus that damages the liver, leading to inflammation, causes the hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C is a common among drug addicts who share needles or those who receive blood transfusions and is one of the most serious hepatitis infections, report doctors at the American Liver Foundation. Signs of hepatitis C often do not become apparent for 10 years or longer after the patient is infected.

Fatigue

Unexplained fatigue is a symptom of hepatitis C infection. Fatigue is a persistent tiredness that cannot be relieved by rest. Fatigue often is accompanied by stomach pain. Researchers at the Hepatitis Association report that close to 50 percent of those infected with hepatitis C say that fatigue is the side effect that most interrupts their daily activities. The all-consuming tiredness is more commonly seen in women infected with the hepatitis C virus and can be debilitating.

Fever

Fevers are consistent with a hepatitis C infection that has done grave damage to the liver. In addition to fever, patients often have itchy skin. Jaundice is another sign of liver damage because of hepatitis C, when the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellowish in color. As doctors check blood tests for causes of the fever and jaundice, they often will discover the hepatitis C infection.

Tender Liver

Because of the continuous damage to the lining of the liver, patients often develop a tender liver, recognized by pressing on the lower back area. Liver function begins to deteriorate, and many patients with hepatitis C develop cirrhosis of the liver by the time they are diagnosed. Liver cancer and liver failure also are complications that can be signs of a hepatitis C infection. Counselors at the Hep C Connection report that patients who also carry the HIV infection will experience liver failure more rapidly than those who carry only hepatitis C.

Pain

Muscle aches and pains are common as the hepatitis C virus continues to compromise the body's systems. Joint pain is a common sign of hepatitis C that is diagnosed by a blood test. Mild flu-like symptoms that cause aches and pains, headaches and stomach aches often occur within 2 or 3 weeks after infection and then go away, leaving may patients believing they just had the flu. Pain associated with hepatitis C infection can occur as long as 6 months after infection as well, making the disease so unpredictable.