Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infection that affects the liver. In most cases it is transmitted by exposure to infected blood either through a transfusion, organ transplant or sharing needles during drug use. It can be mild and last a few weeks or be severe and chronic. In severe cases, hepatitis C can be life threatening. Prevention is your best defense against this disease. Lookout for a range of symptoms that are suggestive of this condition if you think you have been exposed.
Lack of Symptoms
In many cases chronic hepatitis C can be present without any symptoms and the only way you know you have it is through a blood test. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that if there are symptoms, they are usually mild and tend to come and go. In the initial stages of the disease the symptoms may be very general and not always be severe enough to cause you or your doctor to test for Hepatitis C.
Common Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control state that if you have hepatitis C you may have nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite. You may also have abdominal pain. In addition, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health you may experience diarrhea, dark coffee-colored urine and clay-colored stools.
Additional Symptoms
Along with the above abdominal symptoms you may also have a fever, feel fatigued and develop muscle and joint pain. The Mayo Clinic states that you may also have tenderness around the area of your liver and develop symptoms similar to having the flu.
