Symptoms of Hepatitis C

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?

Symptoms of acute hepatitis C, if they appear, can include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Vomiting
• Pain of the stomach / abdomen
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored bowel movements
• Joint pain
• Jaundice (yellowish color in the skin and/or the eyes)

How soon do Hepatitis C symptoms appear after infection?

If symptoms do occur, they will normally manifest about 6-7 weeks after infection. However, it is important to note that it is possible for symptoms to appear anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure to Hepatitis C.

How is Hepatitis C transmitted?

Hepatitis C is transmitted when the blood of an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected with Hepatitis C. Although it is possible to contract and transmit Hepatitis C through sexual activity, most infections are a result of sharing needles or other paraphernalia used for the injection of drugs.
The most common methods of Hepatitis C transmission are:

• Sharing paraphernalia used to inject drugs, such as needles and syringes
• Being stuck with an infected needle when in a healthcare setting
• Passing infection from a mother to her baby during child birth

There are also several less common methods of Hepatitis C transmission:

• The sharing of personal care items with someone who is infected. These items can include razors or toothbrushes (items that come into contact with the blood of an infected individual).
• Sexual activity with an infected individual

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