What are the symptoms of hepatitis C (HCV)?

Hepatitis C can present in two forms: acute or chronic. Acute hepatitis C occurs during the first six months following infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic hepatitis C occurs when the HCV persists beyond six months in the individual.

In acute infection, the virus is detected within 1 to 3 weeks after infection and the antibodies to the virus are identified 3 to 12 weeks after infection. Earlier studies have shown that about 15 to 40% of individuals infected with HCV clear the virus during the acute phase because of the successful removal of the virus from the body; however the remaining 60 to 85% of individuals develop chronic hepatitis.

The clinical course of chronic hepatic C varies from one person to another. The symptoms may suggest liver disease is absent only until a large amount of scarring of the liver has occurred. The patient may experience a wide range of clinical manifestations, from absence of symptoms to symptomatic illness, before the development of advanced liver disease.

In most cases, both acute and chronic HCV infections are without symptoms (asymptomatic). If symptoms do occur, they may include fever, loss of appetite, stomachache, fatigue, muscle pain, yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes, dark yellow urine, and light-colored stools. Manifestations of liver disease such as jaundice and enlargement of the liver and spleen may also occur. HCV infection can also present with symptoms outside the liver. These may include inflammation of the thyroid, a form of inflammation of blood vessels (cryoglobulinemia), inflammation of the kidneys, a type of inherited disease with skin and nerve complications (porphyria cutanea tarda), or Sjogren's syndrome, an inflammatory disease affecting different parts of the body.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.