Most people during the acute phase of Hepatitis C do not experience any symptoms. In some cases symptoms do occur, within a span of two weeks to six months after exposure to the Hep C virus. These symptoms are generally mild, flu-like condition and may include, feeling extremely tired, poor appetite, fever, joint ache, skin irritation, stomach ache, dark yellowish urine, sore muscles or nausea. Jaundice could occur where the skin and whites of the eyes looks yellow.
For people who have not cleared the virus or show symptoms beyond 6 months, Hepatitis C goes into the chronic phase. It is common for people to live many years with Hep C before being diagnosed.
Symptoms are not used for diagnosing Hep C, as many common symptoms may be caused by other unrelated viral infections. The only way to know your status is to get tested. If you’re concerned about any symptoms you’re experiencing, we’d encourage you seek further clarification on them from your healthcare provider.
