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When they’re first infected with hepatitis C only a small number of people get symptoms typical of hepatitis (jaundice, flu-like symptoms, pain in the stomach, etc.).
For most people it takes years (often decades) for symptoms and the signs of liver damage to show. But a blood test can show if you’re infected.
Symptoms like feeling sick, tiredness and problems sleeping are often confused with other illnesses. Many symptoms of hepatitis C are the same as the ones listed on this site for hepatitis A or B (link to hep A symptoms). But some such as water retention, bruising, depression and mental confusion are only seen with hepatitis C.
Unless treated, around 8 out of 10 people who get hepatitis C will remain infected, develop long term hepatitis and stay infectious to others (the other 2 will clear the virus from the body on their own).
Of the 8 who will get long term hepatitis C infection most will live a normal life span. About 20% of them will end up with cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), with 1-4% of them eventually getting liver cancer or liver failure, with a transplant possibly needed to save their life.
People with HIV who get hepatitis C have a bigger chance of going on to suffer liver disease. They’re also more likely to suffer side effects from HIV treatment.
Do you have a question about Hepatitis C that is not answered on this website? Try www.hepCuk.info, the NHS FaCe It website or www.britishlivertrust.org.uk.
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