WHAT ARE THE MAIN SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS C?
Acute hepatitis C is almost indistinguishable from acute hepatitis B infection. Patients with acute hepatitis C are frequently asymptomatic (meaning that they have no symptoms), even when liver tests are abnormal. – Hepatitis C & E: how much of a threat? Special Issue: Emerging Infectious Diseases, Brown, Edwin A., May 15 1994, v28, n9, p105(8). Soon after contracting the infection many people have a flu-like illness with fatigue, fever, muscular aches and pain, nausea and vomiting. About 10% of patients become jaundiced (their skin turns yellow). Generally these symptoms resolve and the patient has no symptoms of liver disease for many years. Symptoms may occur from two weeks to six months after exposure but usually within two months. What are the symptoms of chronic infection and cirrhosis? The symptoms of chronic infection range from no symptoms at all, to gradually progressive fatigue and lack of energy, to complete debility. The effects of the virus vary widely between individuals