One of the biggest challenges with hepatitis C is that many people don’t experience any noticeable symptoms during the early stages. This silent progression can lead to serious liver damage before individuals even realize they have the virus.
What is Hepatitis C?
Inflammation of the liver is known as hepatitis, which can affect its normal functioning when damaged or inflamed by heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, or medical conditions, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1
According to the CDC, hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and can lead to a mild illness lasting a few weeks or a serious long-term illness. It is classified as acute, indicating new infection, or chronic, indicating long-term infection.
Early Hepatitis C Signs
When a person first contracts hepatitis C, it is referred to as acute hepatitis C. According to WebMD, the first symptoms and indications can be similar to those of the flu, although some individuals may not experience any symptoms. 2
If symptoms do occur, the source says they may include fever, joint pain, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, belly pain, clay-colored stool, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms can appear between 2 to 12 weeks after exposure to the virus, adds WebMD.
Possible Complications of Hepatitis C
Acute hepatitis C can develop into chronic hepatitis C, which can result in a number of health complications. Healthline lists the following as possible complications of hepatitis C:
- Cirrhosis, where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, leading to liver dysfunction and failure over time.
- Liver cancer, which is more likely to develop in those with chronic hepatitis C, particularly if cirrhosis or severe liver damage is present, notes the source.
- Liver failure or end-stage liver failure, which Healthline warns can develop gradually over months or years. 3
If you suspect you have contracted the hepatitis C virus, the source recommends seeking medical attention promptly.
Can You Recover From Hepatitis C?
The type of treatment depends on several factors, however the most common treatment is antiviral medications used to clear the virus from the body. More specifically, new direct-acting antiviral medications have been developed, says the Mayo Clinic, and in combination with existing ones, they lead to better outcomes, shorter treatment times, and fewer side effects. 4 Mavyret is one of those direct-acting antivirals that treats hepatitis C, explains Medical News Today. 5