Overview
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral infection of the liver that usually causes no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Unlike hepatitis B, there is no vaccine — but modern antiviral tablets now cure more than 95% of cases in a matter of weeks. Testing is the only way to know you have it.
Symptoms
- Usually none for many years
- Fatigue
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
- Dark urine
- Poor appetite and nausea
- Abdominal swelling or easy bruising in late disease
Causes & risk factors
- Unscreened blood transfusion
- Sharing needles or unsterilised medical or tattoo equipment
- Shared blades, clippers and sharp objects
- Less commonly, sexual or mother-to-child transmission
Treatment & self-care
A blood test confirms infection, and curative direct-acting antiviral tablets are taken for two to three months under specialist supervision. Avoid alcohol while the liver heals, and household members should avoid sharing blades or clippers. After cure, the liver is reassessed for any lasting damage.
See a doctor urgently if
- A positive hepatitis C test
- Persistent fatigue with a history of transfusion or injections
- Yellow eyes, swollen abdomen or easy bruising
- You received blood or unsterile injections in the past and have never tested