In some cases, people with Hepatitis C exhibit symptoms quite quickly after getting infected. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 80% of those infected with an acute form of this condition will experience no symptoms.

Listed below are a few of the common and rare signs of Hepatitis C.

Common and rare signs of Hepatitis C

Common symptoms

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and are usually reported six to seven weeks after exposure to the virus that causes hepatitis C. The early signs of a hepatitis C infection are usually mild and feel like the flu. These signs include fever, loss of appetite, and tiredness.

Early signs of acute hepatitis C

Most people with acute hepatitis C do not exhibit any signs or symptoms. The symptoms, if they do occur, appear one to three months after exposure to the virus. They include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• A yellow tint to the skin and eyes, also known as jaundice
• Changes in urine and bowel movements, such as dark-colored urine or clay-colored stool
• Muscle and joint pain

Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C

In some cases, it could take six to ten years for signs and symptoms to be exhibited, and for the infection to be detected. These delayed symptoms could cause liver damage, such as cirrhosis or cancer. In addition to the above symptoms, the other common and rare signs of Hepatitis C are:

• Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, also known as ascites
• Easy bleeding and bruising
• Slurred speech, confusion, and drowsiness, or hepatic encephalopathy
• Rashes, hives, or itchy skin
• Swollen legs
• Spidery blood vessels under the skin, also known as spider angiomas

All hepatitis C infections start as an acute infection but remain undetected and, therefore, become chronic over time. However, not all acute infections become chronic. This is because, in some cases, individuals fight the infection during the acute phase without any treatment. This is referred to as spontaneous viral clearance, and according to reports, about 15-25% of acute cases have achieved this clearance.

In addition to the common and rare signs of Hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis C can also affect brain function and causes:

• Issues with short-term memory and concentration sometimes referred to as brain fog
• Depression or anxiety
• Mood swings

Symptoms of cirrhosis due to untreated Hepatitis C

If hepatitis C is undetected and untreated for a long time, it can cause scarring of the liver, which can result in symptoms that include:

• Water retention
• Jaundice
• Easy bleeding and bruising

In addition to this, being aware of the common and rare signs of Hepatitis C is important as it will help you understand the signs and start treatment. Along with that, it is always essential to follow certain preventive measures, such as practicing safe sex and avoiding body piercings and tattoos.