What are the symptoms and consequences of hepatitis C?
While HCV can be detected in blood between one to three weeks after the initial exposure, 80 percent of people with hepatitis C have no symptoms, and thus go undiagnosed. Within approximately 50 days, most patients will begin to develop liver cell injury, although they will be asymptomatic (symptom-free). About 15 percent of those exposed to the virus will clear their system of it within six months. The remaining 85 percent will develop some level of chronic hepatitis C. Over time, chronic hepatitis C can cause serious liver damage, although the rate of progression can vary significantly from individual to individual. Symptoms may include: • Fatigue • Loss of appetite • Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) • Darker-colored urine • Abdominal pain • Aches and pains • Itching • Hives • Joint pain • Cigarette smokers may suddenly dislike the taste of cigarettes • Loose, light-colored stools • Nausea • Vomiting Chronic hepatitis C infection may cause some of the above symptoms, as well
