Hepatitis C is a disease, caused by the HCV virus, that affects the liver. In some cases, the body can fight the infection, while in others, the condition becomes chronic. If not treated, it can lead to liver failure and even be fatal. To contract hepatitis C, you must come into contact with infected blood. This can occur through sharing needles for drug use, through tattooing (if improper sterilization techniques are not employed), and through sexual activity with an infected partner. Health care workers are also at risk if they are exposed to the blood of an infected patient. This disease is hard to treat because, in most cases, there are no symptoms. As the condition progresses, there are signs and symptoms of hepatitis C that might develop.
General Symptoms
The American Liver Foundation states that some of the symptoms of hepatitis C are general and can be caused by many conditions. These signs and symptoms include fatigue, joint aches, itchy skin, stomach pain and muscle pain. In many cases these symptoms are similar to having the flu.
Additional Symptoms
With this condition, you may also develop jaundice which is yellowish coloring of the skin and whites of the eyes. In addition, the Illinois Department of Public Health says that you might experience headaches, a mild fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, the symptoms are mild, while in others they become severe.
Severe Symptoms
As hepatitis C progresses, your urine may become dark, stools may be clay-colored and abdominal pain and bloating may become severe. You might experience mood swings, indigestion, frequent urination, mental confusion and changes to your vision. If left untreated, you risk developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. The Hepatitis C Task Force of Los Angeles County says that, even if you go into liver failure, you still might not exhibit obvious symptoms for years.
