Hepatitis C refers to a particular health condition when a viral infection leads to liver inflammation. In critical and severe stages, the infection caused by Hepatitis C can severely damage the liver. According to medical studies, HCV or hepatitis C virus spreads through contaminated blood. One needs to keep in mind that most Hepatitis C patients do not perceive any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Hence, one needs to be very alert and see a doctor immediately if they notice any minor signs of the disease. Keep scrolling to know the signs and symptoms of hepatitis C.

1. Acute hepatitis C
If you are getting the symptoms of Hepatitis C for the first time, then it is referred at acute Hepatitis C. In acute Hepatitis C, the symptoms are similar to those of the flu. But, in most cases, you might not have symptoms at all. If you get any symptoms, they may include belly pain, clay-colored poop, dark urine, fatigue, fever, jaundice (yellow tint to your skin or eyes), joint pain, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting. In acute Hepatitis C, the symptoms usually get visible between 2 and 12-weeks post-exposure to the virus.

2. Chronic hepatitis C
Chronic Hepatitis C refers to the long-term infection with the disease. Chronic hepatitis C is the result of a silent infection for many years until the virus damages the liver enough to cause the signs and symptoms of liver disease. This means when you don’t get diagnosed and treated at an early stage, it can grow internally and causes severe damage to your liver. This condition is termed chronic Hepatitis C because it needs a very long-term treatment. Signs and symptoms of hepatitis C of this type include the following:

• Bleeding easily
• Bruising easily
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. This condition is also known as jaundice
• Dark-colored urine
• Itchy skin
• Fluid buildup in your abdomen or ascites
• Swelling in your legs
• Weight loss
• Confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech or hepatic encephalopathy
• Spiderlike blood vessels on your skin or spider angiomas

3. Cirrhosis
If you are suffering from Hepatitis C and living with the symptoms for a decade or more, there is a high chance of getting scarring of the liver. This condition is known as cirrhosis. In liver cirrhosis, you might retain water, bleed and bruise easily and develop severe symptoms of jaundice.

4. Liver cancer and liver failure
If the infections of hepatitis C continue over many years, a small number of people with the infection may develop liver cancer. In severe stages, it may cause your liver to stop functioning and lead to liver failure.

These are the significant signs and symptoms of hepatitis C. It’s suggested that we must practice preventive measures to protect ourselves from developing the condition. Practice safe sex; if you are fond of tattoos or piercings, ensure applications of sterile needles and avoid needle sharing.