Symptoms

There are many symptoms of hepatitis C, and each person will experience the virus differently, having some, many, or no symptoms at all. Many people experience the symptoms of hepatitis C for some time without realising the cause. The virus is slow acting and can take up to an average of thirteen years from infection before symptoms of liver disease, if any, develop. Some people may never experience any symptoms. There is no way to predict how the virus will affect each individual or over what period of time symptoms may develop.

Some of the symptoms that people commonly experience include:

• Flu like symptoms; alternate chills and fevers.
• Pain in the liver region.
• Tiredness; chronic fatigue or sudden attacks of exhaustion.
• Night sweats
• Abdominal bloating
• Nausea/indigestion

Some less common symptoms are:

• Joint pain
• Depression, mood swings
• Adverse reactions to alcohol and fatty foods
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Irritable bowel syndrome

The main strategies people use to cope with and reduce the symptoms of hepatitis C are attention to diet, avoidance of drugs, staying fit, decreasing stress and using alternative/complementary medicine.

For more information about this topic go to the Australian Hepatitis Council web site at www.hepatitisaustralia.com or see Frequently Asked Questions on the NSW Hepatitis C Council website at www.hepatitisc.org.au.

Please note: This information DOES NOT aim to replace the advice that would be provided by a doctor or other health care worker. People who have hepatitis C should regularly see their doctor, who can provide monitoring, up-to-date information, advice, and counselling if needed.