Hepatitis C – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection that causes inflammation and can lead to severe liver damage over time.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted through contact with infected blood.

Modern antiviral medications have become the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C, with high cure rates for many patients. However, hepatitis C often goes undiagnosed because symptoms may not appear for decades after infection.

Early detection through routine screening allows for timely treatment and can prevent long-term complications.

Signs of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C infection happens in two phases. First comes the acute phase, which often goes unnoticed because symptoms rarely appear.

When they do show up during this early stage, people might experience yellowing skin, feeling tired, upset stomach, fever and achy muscles.

If the infection continues long-term, it becomes chronic hepatitis C. This phase typically has no symptoms for many years. Problems only become noticeable after the virus has damaged the liver significantly.

Common symptoms of advanced hepatitis C include:

  • Easy bleeding
  • Bruising with minimal injury
  • Ongoing tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eye whites)
  • Abnormally dark urine
  • Skin itchiness
  • Swollen abdomen from fluid buildup (ascites)
  • Leg swelling
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Mental confusion and slurred speech
  • Small, spidery blood vessels visible on the skin

Not everyone with acute hepatitis C will develop the chronic form. Some people’s bodies naturally clear the virus after the acute phase—a process called spontaneous viral clearance.

The liver damage from hepatitis C happens slowly over time. Many people don’t realize they’re infected until routine blood tests show liver problems or symptoms finally appear after years of infection.

When to see a doctor:

  • If you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes
  • If you’ve been exposed to hepatitis C through needles or blood
  • If you have unexplained fatigue with other symptoms on this list

Early detection through testing is important since treatment works best before serious liver damage occurs.

Causes

Hepatitis C infection happens when the hepatitis C virus (HCV) enters a person’s bloodstream through blood contact. This blood-to-blood transmission is the only way the virus spreads.

Scientists have identified seven main types (genotypes) of the hepatitis C virus, with 67 subtypes. In the United States, genotype 1 is most common.

While all genotypes cause the same long-term illness pattern, treatment options may differ based on which type a person has.

Health Risk Factors

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests all adults between 18 and 79 years old should get tested for hepatitis C. Testing is especially crucial for people with higher exposure risks.

High-risk groups who should be tested include:

  • People who have used illegal drugs by injection, snorting, or inhalation
  • Individuals with unexplained abnormal liver test results
  • Babies born to mothers with hepatitis C
  • Pregnant individuals during pregnancy
  • Healthcare workers who’ve had blood contact or needle injuries
  • People with hemophilia treated with clotting factors before 1987
  • Individuals who’ve had long-term kidney dialysis
  • Recipients of blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992
  • Sexual partners of people diagnosed with hepatitis C
  • People living with HIV
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Individuals starting HIV prevention medication (PrEP)
  • People who have been incarcerated

Health Complications

Untreated hepatitis C can lead to several serious problems over time. When the infection remains in the body for many years, it may cause:

  • Cirrhosis: This happens when the liver develops scarring. After living with hepatitis C for decades, the liver tissue becomes damaged and hardened. This makes it difficult for the liver to perform its normal functions.
  • Liver Cancer: A smaller percentage of people with long-term hepatitis C develop liver cancer.
  • Liver Failure: Extensive scarring can eventually cause the liver to stop working properly. This is a life-threatening condition that may require a liver transplant.

Preventing Hepatitis C

Several steps can help protect you from getting hepatitis C:

  • Avoid illegal drugs. If you currently use illegal drugs, seek professional help to stop. Drug use, especially with shared needles, is a major risk factor.
  • Check tattoo and piercing shops carefully. Before getting a tattoo or piercing:
    • Look for clean, reputable establishments
    • Ask about their sterilization methods
    • Make sure they use new, sterile needles
    • Choose another shop if staff won’t answer your questions
  • Practice safe sex. While sexual transmission risk is relatively low for monogamous couples, you should:
    • Use protection with new partners
    • Know your partner’s health status
    • Limit the number of sexual partners

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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.